Some Antidepressants Raise The Risk Of Osteoporosis

Research has shown that SSRIs increase bone fracture risk in menopausal women.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor antidepressants are the third biggest selling category of drugs in the world (after cholesterol-lowering drugs and proton pump inhibitors for reflux). Many doctors prescribe them to menopausal women to help them cope with menopause symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep quality. They are particularly popular in women who need to avoid taking hormones because of a history of breast cancer, or just because they’d rather not use hormone replacement therapy.

Researchers have found that antidepressants seem to alter bone turnover; they shift the balance in favor of bone thinning rather than bone building. This is particularly worrisome at menopause time, when the drop in hormones causes women to lose bone density at a rapid rate. Therefore, to minimize risks, doctors are suggesting SSRIs be taken for as short a period of time as necessary to get through the most intense menopause symptoms.

Some women sail through menopause and the cessation of menstruation feels like a blessing. Other women suffer with such debilitating symptoms that they find it impossible to continue with the demands of their career and home lives. If you are looking for natural solutions for menopause symptoms you can find some in my book, Hormone Replacement the Real Truth, and here.

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