Osteoporosis link to depression

Studies are suggesting depression may increase the risk of the bone disorder osteoporosis in premenopausal women.

A US study has found that 17 percent of depressed women and 2 percent of of women that are not depressed, had thinner bone in a part of the hip.

Osteoporosis affects half of women. The disease is silent and remains unnoticed until a bone is broken.

Blood and urine samples showed that depressed women had overactive immune systems. They produced too many chemicals which promote inflammation, and not enough that keep it in check. One of these chemicals - a protein called IL-6 - is known to promote bone loss.