Osteoporosis is a health condition that is characterized by low bone mineral density. It causes bones to become weak and so brittle that a fall or even mild stress, such as bending over or coughing, can cause a break in the bone.
Numerous factors contribute to osteoporosis, including hormone levels. Those with excessive thyroid or insufficient sex hormones are at a heightened risk for osteoporosis and fractures.
Let’s discuss the effect of hormones on bone health and explore how bioidentical hormone therapy can address the risks of osteoporosis and fracture.
Understanding the Effect of Hormones on Bone Health
The level of hormones in our body plays a crucial role in regulating bone health throughout life. Hormones influence bone growth, remodeling, and maintenance by interacting with bone cells, primarily osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells).
Sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, play a crucial role in bone health. In women, estrogen inhibits bone resorption by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, helping maintain bone density. In menopausal women, the estrogen levels decline, leading to increased osteoclast activity and decreased bone density, resulting in osteoporosis.
Similarly, in men, testosterone contributes to bone health by affecting osteoblasts and promoting bone formation. Low testosterone levels in older men can lead to decreased bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis.
Beyond estrogen and testosterone, imbalances in parathyroid hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, and cortisol levels can also impact bone health.
How does Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Address the Risk of Osteoporosis and Fracture?
Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones that work similarly to the hormones produced by our body. They come in many forms: pills, patches, creams, gels, shots, and implanted pallets.
Sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These hormones maintain the balance between bone resorption and formation, positively affecting bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) increases and maintains the level of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and/or DHEA hormones in the body, decreasing the bone-related effect produced by the low level of these hormones in the body.
In addition to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, other lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercises, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to bone health. These lifestyle choices complement bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in addressing osteoporosis and fracture risk.
Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy in North Dallas, TX
In addition to osteoporosis, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also address a wide range of symptoms resulting from a decline in the hormone level in the body. Bioidentical hormones are free from unwanted side effects.
If you think you might be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, visit our outstanding doctor here at North Dallas Wellness Center for complete evaluation and testing. Our highly trained and skilled doctor, Dr. Fein, will perform a comprehensive evaluation and testing, including lab testing of current hormone levels, to determine if you are the right candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Should BHRT be recommended, Dr. Fein will prescribe precise doses of bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone while regularly monitoring your hormone levels.
To know more about our services or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. David Fein, call us today at (214) 696-3885 or use our online appointment request form.
