How? Why?
Finally, after being diagnosed with osteopenia three years ago, I found the information I wanted to know.
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In the article, "Stress can hurt your bones, too", "Stress plays a critical role in slowly, but steadily, bringing about the onset of osteoporosis. When your bone tissue is constantly remodelled within the body, the show is run by two cell types: osteoblasts that help in depositing new bone tissue and osteoclasts that break down old bone tissue. Dr Bhonsle says, "Your bone density is determined by the rate at which these cells work. Under stress, our adrenal glands increase the production of cortisol. Cortisol, known as the 'stress hormone' as it's released by the body in response to stress, can decrease bone density by inhibiting the bone-building osteoblasts." With decreased osteoblast activity, the body ends up with more broken down bone tissue than deposited, causing low bone density and eventually osteoporosis. Interestingly, America which figures among the countries with the highest calcium intake, also has one of the highest rates of osteoporosis. The solution, health experts say, doesn't lie in getting more calcium, but excreting less of it. When you face stress, you lose calcium through urine. Dr Bhonsle adds, "More cortisol leads to a dip in calcium absorption and a spike in its excretion."
Read more here:
http://m.timesofindia.com/
Also, take a look at this article, entitled, Are You Concerned with Bone Loss?
http://livingwellnessblog.wordpress.com/tag/osteopenia/
BLOGGER NOTE: On April 22, 2013, I underwent a second bone density test. It has been over three years since my last and first test. Although my Cushing's and cortisol haven't stopped misbehaving, I am still hopeful that I will remain in the osteopenia category. I do not want to join my 71-year old mother in the osteoporosis line. Results expected in 7-10 days.
