Maternal Brain Hormone Key to Strengthening Bones Could Help Treat Osteoporosis, Bone Fractures

Posted onAugust 1st, 2024byDr. Monica M. Bertagnolli

More than 200 million people around the world haveosteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones to the point that they break easily. Women are at especially high risk after menopause due to declining levels of the hormone estrogen, which helps keep bones strong. While osteoporosis rarely has noticeable symptoms, it can lead to serious injuries when otherwise minor slips and falls cause broken bones that in turn can lead to further fracture risk and fracture-related mortality. So, Im pleased to share NIH-supported research suggesting a surprising candidate for strengthening bones: a maternal hormone produced in the brain.

The study in mice reported inNature shows that this newly discovered hormone maintains and rebuilds bone strength in lactating females, even as estrogen levels dip and calcium is lost to the demands of milk production. The findings suggest this hormoneor a drug that acts similarlycould be key to treating osteoporosis and preventing and healing broken bones.