Everyone must experience the aging process. As we know, along with age, body performance will also decrease. No wonder those who are elderly have a greater risk of health problems. Health problems such as dementia, Parkinson's, and osteoporosis are examples of diseases related to the aging process. Several factors influence this risk, one of which is hormones.
Hormones are substances produced by the body that significantly influence the body’s activity of cells and organs. With age, the body's hormone production is known to change from time to time. These changes can certainly affect the overall performance of the body, including bone health. For example, osteoporosis is a condition in which bone density decreases. Those who are older have a higher risk of the disease, especially for women.
As for females, when entering the perimenopause period, the production of the hormone estrogen in the body will decrease. This can lead to loss of bone density and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Previously, living a healthy lifestyle was the only effective way to reduce these risks. However, a recent study conducted by researchers from Brazil found another treatment method to overcome this problem: hormone therapy. Instead of estrogen, oxytocin hormone therapy is known to help lower this risk.
The hormone oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, plays a role in various behaviours and human mental conditions. For example, this hormone is often associated with feelings of compassion and empathy. But not only that, but oxytocin also has an essential role in maintaining bone mass. In a study published in The Journal of Scientific Reports, researchers found that oxytocin hormone therapy can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in perimenopause by maintaining bone density and strength in female rats. Although further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of this hormone therapy in humans, these results provide new hope for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from: Google Search Images
Source(s):
- Fernandes, F., Stringhetta-Garcia, C.T., Peres-Ueno, M.J., et al (2020). Oxytocin and bone quality in the femoral neck of rats in periestropause. Scientific Reports, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64683-0.
- Medical News Today - Oxytocin could prevent osteoporosis in females (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oxytocin-could-prevent-osteoporosis-in-females, 18 August 2020.