Osteoporosis Review – 30+ Verified Q&As on Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment – PATH 304

This concise, exam-focused review covers 30+ expertly verified questions and answers on osteoporosis, designed for students preparing for PATH 304 (Pathophysiology or Pathology) and related clinical coursework. Tailored to the 2025/2026 academic year, the material emphasizes both foundational understanding and board-relevant facts to help learners succeed in practical, theory-based, and standardized exams. Key areas covered include: Risk factors: female sex, low BMI, estrogen deficiency (e.g., menopause), endocrine conditions (hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypercortisolism), and medications (anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, GnRH analogs) Pathophysiology: loss of bone matrix and cortical thinning, with replacement by fat Diagnosis: criteria based on DEXA scan T-scores, distinctions between osteoporosis and osteopenia, and limits of conventional imaging Prevention and treatment: calcium and vitamin D recommendations, exercise considerations, and first-line and second-line pharmacologic options including bisphosphonates, SERMs, calcitonin, PTH, and HRT Mechanisms of action of medications such as bisphosphonates and PTH, including the concept of the “anabolic window” in PTH therapy This resource is recommended for: Medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students Students preparing for USMLE Step 1, NCLEX-RN, and board exams in internal medicine or endocrinology Learners in musculoskeletal, metabolic, or geriatric-focused modules Keywords: osteoporosis, bone loss, bisphosphonates, PTH therapy, DEXA scan, bone mineral density, vitamin D, calcium intake, osteopenia, estrogen deficiency, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, glucocorticoids, anabolic window, fragility fracture, T-score, bone matrix, risk factors osteoporosis, diagnosis osteoporosis