Premenopausal Osteoporosis

Premenopausal osteoporosis is defined by a weakening of the bones as an indication that traditional full blown osteoporosis may be experienced at some point in a woman's life.

What is Premenopause?

Premenopause is the term given to describe women who are undergoing a transitional period between the final period and menopause. Premenopause is best described as the years leading up to actual menopause. During this period the body's reproductive capacity begins to shut down and the reproduction of progesterone, testosterone and most importantly estrogen slowly begin to grind to a halt. The exact beginning or end or premenopause is notoriously impossible to quantify however symptoms such as premenopausal osteoporosis can be an indication that a premenopausal stage of life has begun.

What is Premenopausal osteoporosis?

Premenopausal osteoporosis is a degenerative bone condition in which women experience a hastened level of bone degradation as their bodies begin to lose vital estrogen needed to control many important biological functions. Estrogen is important for reproduction but it also controls bone cell growth as well. Whilst it is accepted that vitamins and minerals are fundamental in the strength of bones bone cells are just as important. The cells which combat osteoporosis in premenopause are:

Osteoclasts: This cell breaks bone cells in order for new ones to grow
Osteoblasts: Osteoblasts are responsible for growing new bone cells.

The combination of both of these cells is necessary in order to fight the onset of premenopausal osteoporosis.

What are the causes of Premenopausal osteoporosis?

The primary cause of osteoporosis in premenopausal women is as the result of a hormone imbalance. Estrogen is a key player in the growth of bones and when there is a shortage of estrogen hormones the bone cells go into a degree of flux. Whereas in a hormonally balanced women an equal number of osteclasts and osteoblasts would coexist; with and estrogen shortage the "bone breaker" cells can begin to outnumber the osteoblasts which grow bone cells.

What do women use to treat Premenopausal osteoporosis?

Many women who are facing the onset of premenopausal osteoporosis turn to hormone replacement therapy in order to stem the loss of bone density and strength. Other treatments are sometimes used though and these can include:

Changes in lifestyle: Sometimes doctors will prescribe women to eat a better diet or to take up more exercise in order to curb the onset of premenopausal osteoporosis.

Herbal remedies: Phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs are both well equipped to treat premenopausal osteoporosis.

Other alternative treatments: Acupuncture is often used to treat premenopausal osteoporosis.

Treatments such as hormone replacement therapy do have the ability to curb premenopausal osteoporosis, but carry with them a certain degree of risk. For this reason it is important that all premenopausal osteoporosis treatments are considered carefully.

To learn more about Osteoporosis