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Harvard Women's Health Watch has reported that more and more evidence is pointing to a link between depression and osteoporosis.
One study showed that people over 50, who took antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had double the rate of fractures as people not using the medications.
Whether the danger comes from depression, the drugs used to treat it, or something else is still unclear.
Scientists studied women who didn’t have osteoporosis symptoms or even know they had the condition and found lower bone mineral density in those who were depressed.
Now investigators are looking at hormones and brain chemicals potentially involved in both depression and bone loss. Researchers working with an animal model found that depression triggers the release of noradernaline, which interferes with bone-building cells.
While research is still ongoing, we suggest you continue taking an antidepressant if you already use one as depression is a serious illness that can have profound consequences.
Also, talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test, and make sure you get adequate calcium.
Stay up to date with all the latest breaking news in the field of osteoporosis
See breaking news and the hottest health tips before anybody else by joining South Africa’s biggest and best health community, like health24 on Facebook now!
One study showed that people over 50, who took antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had double the rate of fractures as people not using the medications.
Whether the danger comes from depression, the drugs used to treat it, or something else is still unclear.
Scientists studied women who didn’t have osteoporosis symptoms or even know they had the condition and found lower bone mineral density in those who were depressed.
Now investigators are looking at hormones and brain chemicals potentially involved in both depression and bone loss. Researchers working with an animal model found that depression triggers the release of noradernaline, which interferes with bone-building cells.
While research is still ongoing, we suggest you continue taking an antidepressant if you already use one as depression is a serious illness that can have profound consequences.
Also, talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test, and make sure you get adequate calcium.
Stay up to date with all the latest breaking news in the field of osteoporosis
See breaking news and the hottest health tips before anybody else by joining South Africa’s biggest and best health community, like health24 on Facebook now!
