Osteoporosis is a progressive and silent disease that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures. Most fractures resulting from osteoporosis occur in the spine, wrists, and hips. According to a study published by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, an estimated 8 million American women and 2 million American men have osteoporosis. The same study also notes that without prompt diagnosis and treatment, roughly 1 in 2 women and around 1 in 4 men with osteoporosis will experience low-impact fractures of the spine, hip, pelvis, and wrist in their lifetime. Many things can put women and men at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, including hormonal imbalances.
Hormones and Bone Health
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by the many glands that make up the body's endocrine system. Once secreted and released into the bloodstream, hormones travel to target organs and tissues. After reaching them, they regulate numerous physiological processes and functions necessary to support and sustain life.
Some of the hormones secreted by endocrine glands and released into the bloodstream that support bone health include estrogen in women and testosterone in men. In both sexes, cortisol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and human growth hormones (HGH) also support bone health. A deficiency in any of these all-important hormones can open the door to osteoporosis, especially among those who are already at a heightened risk of developing the disease due to other factors.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis That More People Should Know About
While hormonal imbalances are the most common contributors to osteoporosis, many other things can make men and women susceptible to developing the disease, including race. Multiple studies show that Asians and Caucasians are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than other racial groups. Genetics is also a factor in the development of osteoporosis. One study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that genetics is a factor in 50% to 85% of osteoporosis cases.
Aging and Bone Health
Aging is the common denominator in the development of many osteoporosis cases. Multiple studies show that men and women aged 50 and over are at a heightened risk of developing the bone-destroying disease, often due to natural changes in their respective hormone levels.
In women specifically, age-related menopause and related low estrogen levels can accelerate bone breakdown and slow down bone formation. When this happens, it significantly elevates their risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering a bone fracture. In men, age-related low testosterone can have the same effect. Poor lifestyle habits can put both men and women on a path toward developing osteoporosis. Some of these poor lifestyle habits include the following:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being physically inactive
- Chronic stress
- Consuming a poor diet
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Eating disorders
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Additional Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Individuals struggling with a calcium or vitamin D deficiency have an above-average chance of being diagnosed with osteoporosis. The same applies to long-term users of certain prescription-based medications, such as anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids, blood pressure medications, diuretics, and cancer drugs.
Understanding the Relationship Between Low Levels of the HGH Hormone and Osteoporosis
Having adequate human growth hormone levels is essential for bone formation and maintenance. Low growth hormone levels can trigger physiological changes synonymous with osteoporosis. A low bone turnover rate, reduced bone mineral density, and increased bone fragility are some of these changes.
Unfortunately, as men and women grow older, their bodies produce fewer human growth hormones. Studies show that human growth hormone secretion naturally declines by as much as 15% each year after both sexes turn 30. By middle age, most will develop a severe deficiency if they don't seek treatment. Along with weak bones that are susceptible to fractures, symptoms of low human growth hormones can include the following:
- A decline in cognitive function
- Anxiety
- Decreased libido or sexual desire
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Fatigue
- High cholesterol
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Reduced stamina
- Thinning or sagging skin
- Weight gain
What Symptoms Are Commonly Associated With Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis rarely triggers symptoms initially, but as the disease progresses, most people will experience loss of height, back pain, and stooped posture. Bone tenderness, muscle aches, and fatigue are also common.
How To Boost Low HGH Levels
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is often all it takes to normalize low growth hormone levels in men and women. Examples of these healthy lifestyle habits include consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and eliminating or finding ways to better cope with stress. Since the body produces the most HGH while we are asleep, getting at least 7 to 9 hours of deep, restorative sleep each night can also help. The same applies to not smoking and limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption. Along with healthy lifestyle habits, many prescription medications can boost low growth hormone levels. Some of these include Sogroya, Nutropin, Humatrope, and Saizen.
How To Improve Bone Health if You Have Osteoporosis
It is important to note that osteoporosis is not reversible. However, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease and, in some cases, improve bone density and bone health. Consuming a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regularly engaging in weight-bearing exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight are natural ways to accomplish all three.
Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption can also improve bone density and bone health and, of course, slow down the overall progression of osteoporosis. The same is true for consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet and taking calcium and vitamin D dietary supplements. In extreme cases, effectively managing osteoporosis might require taking prescription medications. Actonel, Atelvia, Binosto, and Fosamax are among the most commonly prescribed by physicians.
In summary, having a hormonal imbalance, especially one that involves low HGH, cortisol, estrogen, or thyroid hormone levels, can eventually lead to osteoporosis, not to mention a host of other health problems. Fortunately, many natural and medicinal remedies improve hormone and bone health.
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