Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies to Reduce Morbidity in Oestrogen Deficiency Associated Osteoporosis: A Review

Objective: To review and analyze the clinical studies performed on the role of complementary and alternative medicine, individually or combined, in reducing morbidity in estrogen deficiency associated osteoporosis. The morbidity is assessed in terms of the frequency of fractures, improvement in bone marrow density (BMD) and change in bone turnover parameters. Background: with increasing age, there is a decreased absorption and storage of vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for maintaining bone health. This condition is further worsened estrogen deficiency, as well as in postmenopausal women. When faced with such a scenario, the body resorbs calcium from the bones to overcome the loss, and causes subsequent weakening of the bones and thus, increased susceptibility to frequent fractures and decreases in bone density. Search methods: The study is based on review of clinical studies sourced from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database, and Journals specific to studies related to yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy, with correlation to Ayurveda & Modern text. Result: 16 out of the 17 research articles that have been reviewed showed that yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy have a positive effect on BMD, bone growth and preserving the bone architecture.