How does estrogen impact osteoporosis?

Estrogen plays a significant role in maintaining bone density and health, primarily by inhibiting bone resorption. Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue, releasing minerals such as calcium into the bloodstream. When estrogen levels are sufficient, it helps to balance the activity between osteoclasts and osteoblasts (the cells responsible for bone formation). However, when estrogen levels drop, particularly during menopause, the rate of bone resorption increases significantly, leading to a decrease in bone mass and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

By inhibiting bone resorption, estrogen helps to slow down the breakdown of bone, thereby maintaining stronger bones and reducing the likelihood of fractures. This protective effect is one reason why women are at a higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause when estrogen levels decline. The other options, while they may relate to bone health in some capacity, do not directly address the primary mechanism through which estrogen impacts osteoporosis.