Which type of osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in bone density due to aging?

• A. Primary Osteoporosis
• B. Secondary Osteoporosis
• C. Type 1 Osteoporosis
• D. Type 2 Osteoporosis

Answer: (A)

The correct answer identifies primary osteoporosis, which is specifically characterized by a decrease in bone density primarily due to aging and hormonal changes, particularly after menopause in women and with advancing age in men. Primary osteoporosis is often categorized into two types: Type 1, which occurs shortly after menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels, and Type 2, which occurs later in life as a natural consequence of aging.

Type 1 osteoporosis involves a rapid loss of trabecular bone, while Type 2 osteoporosis includes a more gradual loss of cortical and trabecular bone. However, primary osteoporosis as a whole defines age-related bone density loss that is not caused by underlying medical conditions or medications, distinguishing it from secondary osteoporosis, which arises from specific factors such as diseases or drugs.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the role of natural aging processes in the development of primary osteoporosis.