MENOPAUSE: OSTEOPOROSIS

Course overview

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and poor bone quality, resulting in reduced bone strength and increased risk for traumatic fracture. Menopausal osteoporosis (also called type I osteoporosis) is a consequence of reduced estrogen levels, which disrupt the normal cycle of bone cell regeneration; increased activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts compared with bone-forming osteoblasts leads to a net loss of osteocytes. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of current knowledge about menopause and osteoporosis, its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.