Steroids and Bone Density: Can They Improve Osteoporosis?

If you are from an old community, you might know what Osteoporosis is; it is often called the “silent disease.” This condition weakens bones, making them susceptible to fractures and breaks. 

We often see this condition in older people, but it can also occur in younger adults due to certain factors. And many people believe there is a strong connection between Steroids and this bone disease, while others believe osteoporosis can be treated with steroids. 

In this article, we will find the relationship between steroids and bone density, exploring whether they can improve or worsen osteoporosis. But first, let’s look at how this bone disease is caused in the first place.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Weakened bones characterize this condition and decrease bone density, making them more susceptible to fractures. And many factors can lead to low bone density and fracture. 

Age, gender, hormonal imbalances, insufficient calcium intake, sedentary lifestyle, and family history play crucial roles in developing this condition. 

Effect of Steroids on Bone Density

Steroids and Bone Density have a complex relationship. Steroids can have both positive and negative effects on bone density. Some steroids can increase bone density, while others may decrease bone density. Steroids such as corticosteroids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are prescribed to manage conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. 

Unfortunately, these medications can also have adverse effects on bone health. And if you use these steroids for the long term may interfere with the body’s natural bone renewal process, leading to bone loss, low bone density, and weakened skeletal structure. But steroids also have positive effects on bones, such as anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids are a type of synthetic steroid hormone that has been known to increase bone density and promote bone growth along with increasing muscle growth. 

Even in some cases, anabolic steroids have been used to treat osteoporosis and low bone density issues; therefore, people buy these steroids, and some companies even use Anabolic Steroids in mass volumes.

How Do Steroids Affect Bone Loss?

Bones in your body need calcium to stay dense and robust; steroids can affect both elements negatively. And here is how it works, 

1. Calcium Intake:

Steroid use, particularly long-term or high-dose use of corticosteroids, can increase calcium excretion through the urine, decreasing calcium levels in the body.

This happens because steroids can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize calcium effectively.

As a result, individuals on prolonged steroid therapy may be at risk of developing calcium deficiency, which can weaken bones and contribute to osteoporosis.

2. Vitamin D Intake:

Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption and utilization. Steroids can hinder the body’s ability to activate vitamin D, making it less effective in promoting calcium absorption from the intestines.

And this can further worsen the negative impact on bone health and calcium levels in the body.

How Rapidly Steroids Develop Bone Loss:

A more realistic answer is the pace of bone loss varies. The impact of steroids on bone density can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience bone loss more rapidly than others. Followings are the factor that determines the Impact. 

• dosage, 
• duration of treatment, 
• age, and 
• overall health 

All these factors can influence the speed at which bone density declines. But this is not all. There is some research on this issue; studies confirmed that bone loss occurs most rapidly with oral steroid intakes, especially in the first 6 months after starting oral steroids. And the impact slows down after 12 months of steroid use.

Also, inhaled steroids are less likely to cause bone loss issues. So, Suppose you are taking oral steroids intake for the long term, like 6 months or 1 year.

In that case, you must be closely monitored by your healthcare providers to mitigate potential bone-related complications.

How Do Steroids Affect Bone Fracture:

Steroids not only weaken bones but also increase the risk of bone fractures. Simply, I can tell you that if your bones get thinner, you will more likely get a fracture if given pressure on it. 

The loss of bone density due to prolonged steroid use compromises the structural integrity of the skeleton, making bones more susceptible to fractures, even from minor impacts or falls.

How Do You Mitigate The Effects Of Steroids?

To mitigate the effects of steroids on your body’s calcium and vitamin D levels and to preserve your bone health, you can follow the following ways with your healthcare specialist’s permission.

• Calcium Supplements: if you are on long-term steroid therapy, you may be prescribed calcium supplements to maintain adequate calcium levels.
• Vitamin D Supplements: Vitamin D supplements may be recommended to ensure proper calcium absorption and utilization in your body
• Dietary Adjustments: a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can support your bone health. Foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, fortified foods, and fatty fish are good sources of these nutrients.
• Bone Health Monitoring: this is the ultimate suggestion for monitoring your bone health; you can regularly test bone health on specialists’ permission to detect any changes over time.

Can Steroids Improve Osteoporosis:

While steroids hurt bone health, limited evidence suggests they can also improve osteoporosis. 

The National Institute of Health published a report in 2008 that explored the use of anabolic steroids in treating some instances of osteoporosis. However, their effectiveness and safety in treating osteoporosis are controversial and not widely used.

Conclusion

The relationship between steroids and bone density is complex. While certain steroids, like anabolic steroids, have shown potential in increasing bone density and promoting bone growth, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to bone loss and decreased bone density, contributing to osteoporosis. 

And as the use of steroids can affect your bone positively and negatively, it is suggested to always consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding steroid use and bone health, especially if you are at risk of osteoporosis.