Bone Health Handouts

Bones provide the structure that allows us to move, supply calcium for metabolism and protect vital organs like the heart and lungs. Bone is a living tissue that is continually being renewed by a process of renovation called “bone remodeling.” Bone renovation includes two processes that are normally in balance. “Resorption” is the process of taking away old bone and “formation” is the building of new bone. Bone remodeling cannot be understood without knowing about general nutrition as well as supply of calcium and vitamin D, exercise, menstrual cycles and ovulation, eating attitudes and stresses.

Bone renovation for women is closely related to levels of three hormones, estrogen, progesterone and cortisol. Estrogen slows bone resorption, bone resorption is increased when estrogen levels decrease. Progesterone stimulates new bone formation by acting through osteoblast bone forming cells. Cortisol, a hormone from the adrenal glands that is made in excess when we are stressed or not eating enough to meet our needs, has negative effects on both sides of the remodeling balance. Cortisol both increases bone resorption and decreases bone formation.

The following handouts are provided in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view or print them. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for free here [1].

• ABCs of bone health - adolescent [2]
• ABCs of bone health - premenopausal [3]
• ABCs of bone health - perimenopausal (midlife)
  [4]
• ABCs of bone health - menopausal [5]
• ABCs of osteoporosis treatment [6]