How does oestrogen influence bone turnover?
The precise mechanism whereby oestrogen prevents bone loss is still uncertain. It has also been suggested that oestrogen controls bone resorption indirectly by regulating the secretion of calcitonin . Women have lower values of calcitonin than men and there is also an age related decline in secretion. Calcitonin exerts a bone conserving effect on the skeleton by inhibiting osteoclastic activity. Postmenopausally, loss of ovarian function hastens the age-related decline in calcitonin secretion, resulting in an increase in bone resorption.
