• Hormone Replacement Therapy

What Hormones are Produced in the Bones?

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Doug Lucas, DO, AOBOS, ABAARM, FAAMM

Published: August 07, 2025
Updated: November 25, 2025
5 mins

You may not always think of the bones as much more than a skeletal system, but they are a key part of endocrine functions in the body as well. Your endocrine system is a group of glands and organs that produce hormones throughout the body. 

Once the endocrine system produces hormones, they enter the bloodstream. Hormone-like substances in the bones do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to keep your body moving. The bones produce key hormones responsible for keeping your bones strong, so you can continue to lift heavy objects and engage in physical activities. 

Hormones in your bones assist in processes with the kidneys and lungs as well. Calcium and phosphorus levels remain high when there is a sufficient amount of hormone-like substances in your bones.

While the average adult loses about 0.5-1% of bone mass each year, that decline is not inevitable. With the right guidance, you can maintain — and in some cases even improve – your bone density over time. LifeMD-affiliated providers can support you in building habits and treatment plans that strengthen and protect your bones as you age. Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors still influence whether you’re losing, maintaining, or gaining bone, but your choices can make a measurable difference.

How Do the Bones Produce Hormones?

• Osteocalcin: Osteoblasts synthesize osteocalcin, a hormone-like protein that acts locally in bone and systemically to influence metabolism.

• Fibroblast growth factor 23: Osteocytes produce FGF23, an endocrine hormone that regulates phosphate balance and vitamin D activation.

• Sclerostin: Osteocytes secrete sclerostin, a paracrine protein that inhibits Wnt signaling and reduces bone formation.

• Parathyroid hormone (PTH): PTH is a peptide hormone released by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling.

• Sex steroids: Bone cells express aromatase and can locally convert testosterone to estrogen, contributing to paracrine regulation of bone remodeling.

What is the Function of Hormones Produced in the Bones?

Hormones produced by bone cells play important endocrine and paracrine roles that help regulate bone remodeling and influence many processes throughout the body. Bone-derived hormones do not act in isolation – they interact with other organs, including the pancreas, kidneys, muscles, and brain.

Osteocalcin function

Osteoblasts release osteocalcin, a hormone-like protein that helps regulate glucose metabolism by supporting insulin secretion and improving insulin sensitivity.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) function

Osteocytes produce FGF23, an endocrine hormone that controls phosphate balance and suppresses vitamin D activation in the kidneys.

People with chronic kidney disease – and sometimes bone disorders like osteoporosis – may have elevated FGF23 levels, which can disrupt phosphate metabolism and contribute to vascular calcification.

Sclerostin function

Osteocytes secrete sclerostin, a regulatory protein that inhibits Wnt signaling and reduces bone formation. It also exerts effects on other organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) function

PTH, produced by the parathyroid glands, regulates calcium homeostasis and stimulates bone remodeling while also promoting the activation of vitamin D.

Bone turnover tends to increase with aging and is further accelerated in postmenopausal women due to lower estrogen levels, which can also influence PTH activity.

Sex hormones function

Bone cells express aromatase and can locally convert testosterone into estrogen, contributing to the paracrine regulation of bone remodeling, while systemic estrogen and testosterone remain the primary drivers of skeletal growth and maintenance.

Low estrogen – especially after menopause – is strongly linked to reduced bone strength and the development of osteoporosis.

What Happens When Bone-Related Hormone Activity Shifts?

Bone-derived hormones influence metabolism, muscle function, cognitive health, reproduction, and more, so disruptions can affect multiple systems. As people age, bone turnover increases, and factors such as chronic illness, osteoporosis, or inadequate nutrition can reduce the production or effectiveness of key bone-derived hormones.

Excess cortisol exposure can weaken bone and contribute to osteoporosis, seen in conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or poorly controlled hypothyroidism.

Hormonal shifts within bone often occur without obvious symptoms, but menopause causes a significant drop in estrogen, accelerating bone loss and altering the hormonal signaling that helps maintain skeletal strength.

Hormonal Imbalances in the Bones

Risk factors such as aging, menopause, family history, and weight changes can affect your bone health. 

Consider the following tips for improving your hormonal and bone health:

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises

• Eat adequate protein for bone building blocks

• Increase your exposure to vitamin D naturally or through supplementation

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoid drinking alcohol 

• Avoid tobacco

• Optimize sleep 

Research has shown that staying active stimulates bone tissue to maintain bone strength. While any type of exercise is beneficial for your overall health, resistance training is best for slowing down bone loss.

Besides getting safe exposure to sunlight, you can boost your vitamin D levels through foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Magnesium and vitamin D supplements may also support bone health when used appropriately.

Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. Some supplements may interact with certain medications.

Where Can I Learn More About Bone Health?

Changes in your hormones are not always a sign of a health issue. As you age, it’s normal for your hormones and bone health to change.

The LifeMD Women’s Health Program offers compassionate, personalized care for women approaching or experiencing menopause. With LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can help you understand how hormonal changes affect your bone health, guide you in restoring hormonal balance, and recommend preventative strategies to slow, stop, or even reverse osteoporosis.

Make an appointment today and start addressing your daily health needs.

Dr. Doug Lucas, DO, AOBOS, ABAARM, FAAMM

Dr. Doug Lucas is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and osteoporosis specialist. He “retired” from orthopedics to further his mission of educating the world that osteoporosis is not only preventable but often reversible. Now serving as VP of Health and Hormone Optimization at LifeMD, Dr. Lucas brings his expertise in hormones and metabolic health to help women navigate menopause with confidence. His work focuses on empowering women to take control of their bone, hormone, and overall health through evidence-based, personalized care.

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