Estrogen is a group of sex steroids produced by the ovaries of females and the testes of men. Estradiol is the main estrogen hormone involved in bone mineral density for both genders. Levels of estradiol can vary depending on your stage of life. Postmenopausal women have levels of estrogen and estradiol that are lower than same-aged men. Estrogen levels can predict bone fracture risk in both genders.
Bone Metabolism
Bone metabolism involves building and breaking down of bone to maintain bone health as you age. Bone cells called osteoclasts are constantly breaking bone down, while osteoblasts rebuild bone by adding calcium to areas that need strengthening. Osteoblasts release osteoid that contain mineralized matrix to deposit calcium and collagen to harden, building the bone matrix called cortical bone.
Estrogen
Estrogen inhibits osteoclasts' activity in bone and stimulates osteoblasts' activity. Another important role of estrogen is inhibiting osteoclasts' recruitment, so your body has fewer osteoclasts available to break your bones down. Fewer osteoclasts means your bones release less calcium than the osteoblasts put into your bones.
Men and Estrogen
Estrogen activity in men is a hormonal process that isn't considered in the health of skeletal structures of aging men. Low testosterone levels, excessive alcohol use, smoking, medicinal steroid use and immunosuppressive drugs can increase men's risk of develop osteoporosis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. In men, testosterone is responsible for the large size and thick outer layer of men's skeletal structures, but estrogen is responsible for the density of cortical bone matrix. Cortical bone is the spongy-looking bone that is inside the bone that is metabolically activity. The cortical bone can become compromised in men and women, which can lead to fractures due to poor bone density, according to researchers with the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Higher levels of estrogen activity in men could result in higher bone mineral density and a lower risk of developing fractures that could be a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Women and Estrogen
Pre-menopausal females have a higher production of estrogen and higher bone mineral densities. When menopause occurs, you are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis due to losing the protective effect that estrogen provides for your bone health. Postmenopausal females on hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, maintain higher bone densities and have fewer bone fractures than women who aren't on HRT, according to the University of Washington Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology Department.
Prevention of Osteoporosis
Calcium and vitamin D intakes impact the ability of your bones to absorb calcium and create denser bones. Estrogen protects bone mineral density when provided as soon as possible when menopause is reached. In women who are more than 10 years past menopause, estrogen may not have a positive effect in preventing more calcium loss from aging bones, as stated by the Osteoporosis and Bone Physiology Department. For men, estrogen therapy isn't an option for treatment. The cause of osteoporosis is addressed along with lifestyle modification that includes nutrition and exercise management of the problem. If medication therapy is the cause, your physician may treat you with one of the approved osteoporosis drugs. To prevent osteoporosis, ensuring adequate calcium intakes of 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams per day and at least 600 to 800 international units, or IU, of vitamin D can help build and maintain bone density in your older age.
