Estrogen is important to new bone production because it supports osteoblasts, which are bone-producing cells. Without estrogen, osteoblasts can’t produce enough new bone, and eventually, osteoclasts (bone-absorbing cells) overpower them. This is why post-menopausal women are at a high risk for osteoporosis. (In men, testosterone protects bone. When testosterone levels drop, it can lead to bone loss). A couple of medical conditions have been highlighted below which can lead to osteoporosis. However, they are not exclusive to women – pregnant or not.
- Intestinal problems: Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, for example, can interfere with normal calcium and vitamin D absorption.
- Kidney disease: This condition causes decreased activation of vitamin D.
- Parathyroid and Thyroid problems: Hyperparathyroidism, which is caused by too much parathyroid hormone, can cause osteoporosis because the excess hormone extracts calcium from the bones. On that same note, hyperthyroidism, or an overproduction of thyroid hormone, may also lead to bone loss.
During pregnancy, the baby growing in its mother’s womb needs plenty of calcium to develop its skeleton. This need is especially great during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If the mother doesn’t get enough calcium, her baby will draw what it needs from the mother’s bones. The good news is that most women do not experience bone problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And if their bones are affected during these times, the problem often is corrected easily.
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