MOLECULAR AND ENDOCRINE MECHANISMS OF OSTEOPOROSIS PATHOGENESIS IN PRE-, PERI-, AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS ACROSS THE MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a complex metabolic bone disorder characterized by progressive loss of bone mass and structural integrity, leading to increased fracture risk. In women, the transition from premenopause through perimenopause to postmenopause represents a critical biological period associated with profound endocrine and molecular changes. Estrogen deficiency plays a central role, but additional mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic regulation also contribute significantly. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular and endocrine pathways underlying osteoporosis across different menopausal stages, highlighting their clinical implications for early detection and targeted interventions