I’m back to blogging again! At least I hope so - if nothing else comes up that prevents me from writing more regularly.

And as I hinted at last time - bone health is what is on my mind lately so I decided that would the topic of my first post back.

I can’t believe that the last time I wrote anything about osteoporosis or bone health was back in February! And unfortunately I don’t see a lot in the news lately about it. Maybe I missed something - but this is all I have for now on the subject:

Estrogen and bone loss
- Way back in March a study was presented that helps explain how the main form of estrogen in humans - called estradiol - helps to keep bones more dense. The bones in our bodies are constantly being broken down and built back up. Osteoblasts are bone cells that are responsible for bone formation. The researchers discovered that the enzyme caspase-3 which is involved in the programmed cell death (also called apoptosis) of osteoblast cells is inhibited by estradiol. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease and women become more likely to have their bones become more brittle and break more easily. The press release for this study can be found here: Study describes action of estrogen in protecting bone.

Bisphosphonates and jaw necrosis
- Another study linking the use of bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis to jaw and facial bone deterioration was published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Osteonecrosis can occur when the blood supply to the area is poor, leading to bone death or deterioration. A causal relationship between the drug’s use and jaw necrosis is not certain at this point however. Read more here: Bisphosphonate treatment is associated with jaw bone problems

SSRI’s and bone health
- A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine provides some evidence that the use of SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) prescribed commonly for depression may have a negative effect on bone health in older people. The study showed a correlation between SSRI’s and bone health, but some other factor such as being less physically active could be responsible. Learn more: OHSU scientists find antidepressant, bone loss link.

Exercise in the elderly
- Concerning the elderly is a study in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showing that exercise training can improve people’s balance and decrease their fear of falling. A related study (BMC Geriatrics) showed that balance-training exercises may improve balance in elderly people and possibly reduce the chance of them falling.

Hip surgery and recovery
- Lastly, a researcher in St. Louis recently published a report indicating that many people recovering from hip surgery may develop problems with depression afterward due to being confined to their bed or home or other factors.

That’s all I have for now - but remember - weight bearing exercise along with calcium and vitamin D can go a long way in preventing osteoporosis!