Menopausal Bone Loss Due to Follicle Stimulating Hormone

One of the many health issues menopausal women face is osteoporosis, a loss of bone mass and density that can lead to bone fractures. Until recently, research has focused on the role of estrogen and bone loss. However, new research shows there may be another factor to consider -- the role of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

According to Dr. Joseph Cannon, head of the research team at the Medical College of Georgia in Atlanta, higher levels of FSH are associated with lower bone density. They conducted a study of 36 women between the ages of 20 and 50. Blood tests and low-grade x-rays were administered, and it was determined a high level of the FSH hormone correlated with lower bone density.

Bone density is a tightrope process. Osteoclasts are cells that break down bone, while osteoblasts rebuild it. During menopause, the osteoclasts outnumber the osteoblasts, resulting in bone loss. This imbalance is attributed to a specific cytokine, called the IL-1, which is known to stimulate the osteoclasts. Blood FSH levels were found to correspond to the levels of IL-1. Dr. Cannon states: "These data support the possibility that controlling the actions of FSH may be a therapeutic way of dealing with osteoporosis that will work beyond the scope of treatments that have been used in the past."