Serotonin Blood Test Could Transform Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
A recent study has revealed promising blood markers that could help better diagnose postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and potentially improve treatment options for this common bone disease. The research, which focuses on serotonin precursors and metabolites, provides new insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms and offers hope for more targeted therapies.
Understanding Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PMOP)
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that results from a decrease in estrogen levels after menopause, leading to fragile bones that are more prone to fractures. These fractures, particularly in the hip, can cause significant pain, disability, and a major economic burden. As the global population ages, the incidence of PMOP is expected to rise, making the need for effective diagnostic tools and treatments more urgent.
Study Overview
The research, led by scientists from Southern Medical University (Dongguan People's Hospital), focused on the role of serotonin—a neurotransmitter typically linked to mood regulation—in bone health. The team found that serotonin and its metabolites in blood could serve as important markers for identifying women at risk for PMOP. The study analyzed blood samples from 287 postmenopausal women, categorized by bone density, and assessed various serotonin-related compounds in their plasma.
Key Findings
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Serotonin Levels Linked to Bone Loss
The study found that key serotonin pathway markers—specifically 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)—were significantly higher in women with osteoporosis compared to those with normal bone density or osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis). These markers rose progressively as bone mineral density decreased.
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Diagnostic Potential
The research revealed that measuring these serotonin-related compounds could improve diagnostic accuracy for osteoporosis. A combined blood panel of 5-HTP, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA showed a diagnostic accuracy of nearly 90%, outperforming traditional bone density measurements in some cases.
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Risk Assessment and Treatment Implications
Higher levels of these serotonin markers were also linked to a longer time since menopause, suggesting that the serotonin pathway plays a role in the progression of bone loss over time. The findings point to the potential for using these biomarkers not only in diagnosis but also as part of strategies to delay the onset of osteoporosis, especially in women experiencing prolonged menopause.
What's Next?
While the results are promising, the study's authors note that further research is needed. The study was retrospective and involved a relatively small group of participants. Future studies will include larger, multi-center cohorts to validate these findings and explore the underlying biological mechanisms in more depth.
Moreover, the team plans to examine whether targeting serotonin pathways could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis, providing a more personalized approach to managing this condition.
Study Limitations
The research was conducted in a single-center setting and had a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the precise molecular mechanisms behind the observed changes in serotonin markers were not fully explored in this study.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study introduces a new way to approach the diagnosis and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. By identifying specific serotonin-related biomarkers, the research paves the way for more accurate diagnostic tools and potentially new treatments that could help prevent fractures and improve quality of life for millions of women worldwide.
About Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It often develops silently over many years, without noticeable symptoms, until a fracture occurs. The most common form, postmenopausal osteoporosis, affects women after menopause due to a drop in estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining bone strength.
More information:
Peiying Li et al, Plasma serotonin precursors and metabolites as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Biomol Biomed [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 11 [cited 2025 Dec. 4];25(11):2519–2527.
Available from: https://doi.org/10.17305/bb.2025.11513
Journal information: Biomolecules and Biomedicine
Provided by: Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FBIH
Provided by Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FBIH
