Emerging evidence on the link between depressive symptoms and bone loss in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Osteoporosis and depression are major health problems of crisis proportions in postmenopausal women. Researchers have established a relationship between bone loss and depression, although few studies have focused on postmenopausal women. The purposes of this integrative review were to synthesize and summarize the available literature on: 1) the associations between bone loss and depression in postmenopausal women; and 2) potential variables that impact the associations between bone loss and depression in postmenopausal women. After searching the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane library between 2007 and 2017, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the included studies supported the relationship between depression and bone loss in postmenopausal women, although little information is offered as to why this relationship exists. This review summarizes the research that has been completed on depression and bone loss in postmenopausal women and identifies gaps in the literature. These findings will aid in the planning of future research and the development of health care recommendations.

Health-promoting lifestyle and quality of life in affected and unaffected menopausal women by primary osteoporosis

“…Psychosocial: The results of a systematic review[ 32 ] showed that bone mass reduction is associated with depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women and we also achieved this result…”

“…Adrenergic signaling suppresses osteoblast reproduction and bone growth[ 30 ] Physical: Consistent with the results of the present research, the other research showed that osteoporosis and bone fracture have a profound effect on individuals' physical activity and daily activity, and this effect occurs through a cumulative impairment cycle. This cycle involves avoiding activity, reducing muscle mass, and decreasing motor capacity, which leads to a greater risk of fracture and a greater reduction in physical activity[ 31 ] Psychosocial: The results of a systematic review[ 32 ] showed that bone mass reduction is associated with depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women and we also achieved this result Sexual: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding sexual function. It is noteworthy that in the present study, the percentage of respondents to the sexual function questions of the questionnaire was lower than other subdomains (about 90% in the normal group and about 76% in the osteoporosis group), and this may be due to separation or death of spouse, being single, unwillingness to answer such questions for cultural reasons, and lack of acceptance by participants.…”

Quality of Life and Osteoporotic Alterations in Patients with and without Low Bone Mineral Density: A Retrospective Study

“…Regarding the lower scores in the psychological domain, it is well known that there is an association between osteoporosis and depression [19]. Low physical functioning related to low BMD and role limitations may lead to poor emotional status [20].…”

The effects of tranylcypromine on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo

“…A prospective study demonstrated that depressive symptoms are associated with greater osteoporosis burden 10 yr later (47). Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that bone loss is related to depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women, and depressive symptoms have been suggested as a way to evaluate bone loss in postmenopausal women because osteoporosis is often silent with no symptoms until a woman experiences a fracture (48). In addition, bisphosphonates as a treatment in postmenopausal women improved depressive symptoms, as demonstrated by higher Beck depression inventory scores (49).…”