Osteoporosis from the point of view of the clinical endocrinologist

The physiology of the bone tissue is reviewed from the point of view of a clinical endocrinologist. The effect of the main calcium-regulating hormones and various local factors on the osteoblasts and osteoclasts is discussed. The aim of this review is to summarize the physiological and pathophysiological role of calcitonin, parathormone, vitamin D3, thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, growth hormone and sex hormones on bone metabolism. The significance of endocrinological dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the most wide-spread metabolic bone disease, is emphasized. A theory concerning the pathogenetic role of androgen hormone deficiency in postmenopausal osteoporosis is discussed in detail.