What is the effect of estrogen on bone density in postmenopausal women?

• A. It decreases bone density
• B. It helps maintain bone density
• C. It has no effect on bone density
• D. It increases the risk of fractures

Answer: (B)

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, particularly in postmenopausal women. During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels leads to an increase in bone resorption and a decrease in bone formation, resulting in a significant loss of bone density. When estrogen is present, it helps to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. By maintaining the balance between bone resorption and bone formation, estrogen contributes to the preservation of bone mass.

In postmenopausal women, the administration of estrogen or hormone replacement therapy can help to mitigate the rapid loss of bone density that occurs after menopause. This is why understanding the protective role of estrogen against osteoporosis is critical in women's health. Therefore, the assertion that estrogen helps maintain bone density is accurate and reflects its physiological function in the body.