Which population is at higher risk for osteoporosis?

Which population is at higher risk for osteoporosis?

• A. Postmenopausal women
• B. Adolescent males
• C. Young athletes with high calcium intake
• D. Men under 40 with high estrogen

Answer: (A)

Estrogen protects bone by inhibiting bone resorption. When estrogen levels fall after menopause, osteoclast activity increases, leading to accelerated bone loss and lower bone mineral density. That makes postmenopausal women the population at highest risk for osteoporosis. Adolescent males are still accruing peak bone mass, which lowers risk; high calcium intake and regular weight-bearing activity in young athletes strengthen bones; and men under 40 with high estrogen would not typically have increased osteoporosis risk—in fact, estrogen helps maintain bone density.

Estrogen protects bone by inhibiting bone resorption. When estrogen levels fall after menopause, osteoclast activity increases, leading to accelerated bone loss and lower bone mineral density. That makes postmenopausal women the population at highest risk for osteoporosis. Adolescent males are still accruing peak bone mass, which lowers risk; high calcium intake and regular weight-bearing activity in young athletes strengthen bones; and men under 40 with high estrogen would not typically have increased osteoporosis risk—in fact, estrogen helps maintain bone density.