In osteoporosis, what occurs regarding bone formation and absorption?

In osteoporosis, bone absorption exceeds formation. This condition is characterized by an imbalance in the bone remodeling process, where the rate of bone resorption (the process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue) surpasses the rate of bone formation (the process by which osteoblasts build new bone).

As individuals age, hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, contribute significantly to this imbalance. This hormonal shift promotes increased osteoclast activity while reducing osteoblast function, resulting in a net loss of bone density over time. The consequence is weakened skeletal structure, making bones more susceptible to fractures.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, as it highlights the need for interventions that can help either slow down bone resorption or enhance bone formation, thereby reversing the progression of the disease.