[Postmenopausal osteoporosis--definition, pathogenesis, prevention and therapy]

Area of Science:

• Bone Biology and Metabolism
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Context:

• Osteoporosis is a significant global health and socioeconomic challenge.
• Despite identified risk factors, the exact pathogenesis of osteoporosis remains incompletely understood.
• Advances in bone biology and bone mass measurement offer new insights.

Purpose:

• To review current hypotheses on osteoporosis pathogenesis.
• To examine the role of estrogen deficiency, calcitonin, and other hormonal/local factors.
• To discuss prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis.

Summary:

• Osteoporosis is a heterogeneous disorder, potentially explaining varied therapeutic outcomes.
• Estrogen deficiency is a key factor in osteoporosis pathogenesis.
• Prevention strategies, including estrogen replacement, calcium, calcitonin, sodium fluoride, and bisphosphonates, are discussed.

Impact:

• Highlights the importance of understanding osteoporosis pathogenesis for effective treatment.
• Emphasizes that osteoporosis prevention is more successful than treatment.
• Provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.