How Does Estrogen Affect The Bones?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Estrogen is critical for skeletal homeostasis and regulates bone remodeling, in part, by

modulating the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)

, an essential cytokine for bone resorption by osteoclasts.

How does estrogen affect bone growth?

During bone growth estrogen is needed

for proper closure of epiphyseal growth plates

both in females and in males. Also in young skeleton estrogen deficiency

Does estrogen weaken bones?

When estrogen levels drop,

many women lose bone density

. Teens and young women who often miss their periods usually have low estrogen levels. As a result, their bones may not be as strong. For midlife women, the drop in estrogen that happens with menopause can lead to rapid bone loss.

What does estrogen have to do with bones?

Estrogen plays an important role in

the growth and maturation of bone

as well as in the regulation of bone turnover in adult bone. During bone growth estrogen is needed for proper closure of epiphyseal growth plates both in females and in males.

How does estrogen affect calcium levels in the bones?

We conclude that estrogen treatment increases

calcium absorption in postmenopausal osteoporosis by increasing serum 1,25(OH)2D

. This effect appears to be mediated indirectly through stimulation of renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase by increased serum PTH.

Does estradiol help with bone loss?

Women with estradiol levels lower than 5

pg/mL experienced 0.8% per year bone loss at the hip

, while those with levels higher than 10 pg/mL experienced only 0.1% per year loss. In the same study, high SHBG levels were also associated with increased bone loss at the hip.

Do hormones affect bones?

Bone production is

affected by both testosterone and estrogen

, so both men and women can experience bone loss as they age. Levels of both hormones drop with age, with the risk being higher in women.

Does estrogen change your bone structure?

In turn, estrogen plays a

main regulatory role in bone metabolism

in both women and men, acting on bone remodeling and keeping it within physiological limits. Estradiol acts on the lifespan of osteoblasts, decreasing apoptosis and increasing the functional capacity of individual osteoblasts.

What are the symptoms of low estrogen?

  • painful sex due to a lack of vaginal lubrication.
  • an increase in urinary tract infection (UTIs) due to a thinning of the urethra.
  • irregular or absent periods.
  • shifts in mood.
  • hot flashes.
  • breast tenderness.
  • headaches or accentuation of pre-existing migraines.
  • depression.

Does high estrogen cause bone loss?

Estrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones, decreases sharply when women reach menopause, which can

cause bone loss

. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause.

Does low estrogen make your bones hurt?

The primary female hormone, estrogen, protects joints and reduces inflammation, but when estrogen levels drop during menopause, inflammation can increase, the risk of

osteoporosis

and osteoarthritis can go up and the result can be painful joints.

Does calcium increase estrogen?

Very recently, we have added calcium to the list of agents that may influence estrogen metabolism by demonstrating that increasing calcium intakes are

associated with increasing concentrations of estrogen metabolites

(16).

How long should you stay on estradiol?

When using the estradiol vaginal insert or ring, you will need to replace it

every 3 months

or remove it after 3 months.

Can estrogen help with bone pain?

New research indicates that hormone therapy, specifically estrogen, can also

be used towards joint pain

. Estrogen therapy improves joint pain in post-menopausal women who have had a hysterectomy.

Does estrogen help osteopenia?

Because

estrogen helps maintain bone density

, this drop can lead to significant bone loss and, over time, to low bone density. Doctors typically use two different words to talk about low bone density: Osteopenia means you have lower-than-normal bone density.

What hormone maintains bones?

Three calcium-regulating hormones play an important role in producing healthy bone: 1)

parathyroid hormone or PTH

, which maintains the level of calcium and stimulates both resorption and formation of bone; 2) calcitriol, the hormone derived from vitamin D, which stimulates the intestines to absorb enough calcium and …

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.