Menopause accelerates bone loss primarily due to what hormonal change?

Menopause accelerates bone loss primarily due to what hormonal change?

• A. Increased testosterone levels
• B. Decreased estrogen levels
• C. Increased calcium absorption
• D. Decreased cholesterol levels

Answer: (B)

Estrogen helps maintain bone density by restraining osteoclast activity. After menopause, estrogen levels fall sharply, removing that brake on bone resorption. With less estrogen, osteoclasts become more active and live longer, tipping the balance toward bone breakdown and causing a net loss of bone density. Estrogen also influences signaling in bone remodeling (lower estrogen increases RANKL and inflammatory cytokines), which further promotes osteoclast formation and activity. The result is accelerated bone loss after menopause. Changes in testosterone, calcium absorption, or cholesterol do not drive this rapid bone loss in the menopausal period.

Estrogen helps maintain bone density by restraining osteoclast activity. After menopause, estrogen levels fall sharply, removing that brake on bone resorption. With less estrogen, osteoclasts become more active and live longer, tipping the balance toward bone breakdown and causing a net loss of bone density. Estrogen also influences signaling in bone remodeling (lower estrogen increases RANKL and inflammatory cytokines), which further promotes osteoclast formation and activity. The result is accelerated bone loss after menopause. Changes in testosterone, calcium absorption, or cholesterol do not drive this rapid bone loss in the menopausal period.