Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What is a significant change in bone health that occurs post-menopause?

1. Bone strength increases

2. Increased osteoblast activity

3. Decreased bone density

4. Bone repair is faster

The correct answer is: Decreased bone density

Decreased bone density is a significant change in bone health that occurs post-menopause. After menopause, women experience a dramatic drop in estrogen levels, a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Estrogen helps inhibit bone resorption, the process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue. When estrogen levels fall, this inhibition is reduced, leading to an increase in osteoclastic activity and a net loss of bone density over time. This process can result in osteoporosis, where bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures. The decrease in bone density is most pronounced in the first few years after menopause, contributing to the overall risk of developing skeletal-related issues in postmenopausal women. In contrast, options that suggest improvements in bone strength or repair, such as increased osteoblast activity or faster bone repair, do not accurately reflect the effects of decreased estrogen levels during this stage of life. Rather than promoting bone formation or enhancing repair mechanisms, the hormonal changes primarily lead to a decline in bone density.