The menopausal transition is characterized by accelerated bone loss and an increased risk of skeletal deformities and low-energy fractures. The main cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the persistent decline and loss of estrogen-producing function of ovaries. Clinicians who deal with the problem of osteoporosis should remember that the terms «postmenopausal osteoporosis» and «osteoporosis in postmenopausal women» cannot be equated, because postmenopausal women may have other diseases and factors that accelerate the loss of bone mineral density caused by a decrease in estrogen levels, thereby increasing the risk of osteoporosis and low-energy fractures (secondary osteoporosis).

Keywords: menopausal hormone therapy, osteopenia, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, osteoporosis, estrogens