|
Alcohol and hormones
Chronic heavy drinking can result in hormonal deficiencies in both men and women. Alcoholic men tend to produce less testosterone, a hormone known for its positive effect on bone density. Low testosterone levels have been linked to decreased activity of osteoblasts, the cells that stimulate bone formation.
|  |
|
In pre-menopausal women, chronic alcohol exposure can result in irregular menstrual cycles, an occurrence that increases osteoporosis risk. Conversely, in post-menopausal women, alcohol increases the conversion of testosterone into estradiol, a hormone commonly used to prevent bone loss after menopause. For this reason, alcohol consumption may actually have a positive effect on bone density in women after menopause.
Alcoholics have been shown to have high levels of cortisol, a corticosteroid. Excessive levels of cortisol have been linked to decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. Corticosteroids impair calcium absorption, which leads to an increase in PTH secretion, which can result in further bone loss.
Bone loss is evident in a large number of individuals who drink heavily. Alcohol appears to have a direct toxic effect on osteoblasts, suppressing bone formation. On the other hand, osteoclasts (cells responsible for the resorption or breakdown of bone) may be stimulated by alcohol exposure.
|
