[Osteoporosis from the gynecologic viewpoint].

Osteoporosis is a disease of the elderly characterized by a loss of bone mass causing fractures in presence of an inadequate trauma. Osteoporosis has to be considered as a significant ailment in our population. This review outlines epidemiology, pathogenesis and risk factors of primary osteoporosis. The physiological role of sex hormones, especially of estradiol, for the development and maintenance of skeletal bone mass is explained. Principles of preventive estrogen(-progesterone) application for the prophylaxis of postmenopausal osteoporosis are specified by several estrogen replacement studies in postmenopausal women. Individual replacement therapy for the compensation of a long-lasting estrogen deficit in the reproductive age group, in pre- and postmenopausal women is the assignment of the gynecologist in order to protect the skeletal system.