You Need This Test if You take an Antidepressant

Some SSRI medication for depression has been shown to alter bone health. So you will need to increase your exercise, calcium, and Vitamin D if you are on depression medications like these.

As women age and their estrogen levels begin to decline and both mood and bone health can suffer.

If you are on SSRIs for greater than one year, and especially if the therapy lasts for more than 3 years there is increased bone loss from these medications. Oddly, mice studied on very short term Prozac, actually had increased bone mass. So the physiological mechanisms are very confusing.

So if you are on SSRIs you may want to consider an earlier bone mass test.

Exercise can boost endorphins which make you happy, the right exercise can also Improving bone density is one of those benefits, that is particularly important if you are on a SSRI therapy.

A new study by Sheu ( SSRI use and risk of fractures among perimenopausal women without mental disorders. Inj Prev. 2015 Jun 25) showed their risk of having bone fractures was significantly increased if on SSRIs over those who were not on these medications.

Although most perienopausal and early menopausal women typically osteopenic, not ostoporotic, thus not yet at a significant risk for fractures of their bones.

However, new data on the structure of your bones shows that even with reasonable bone mass, if your bone structure has begin to weaken you may be at risk for fracture.

At WHP Health we can help you make plans for long term bone health, so call for an appointment 217-356-3736.