Final answer:
Estrogen deficiency due to menopause is the factor implicated in osteoporosis in older women. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining osteoblastic activity and bone production, and its reduction during menopause heightens the risk of osteoporosis, which can be mitigated with lifestyle factors like proper nutrition and regular exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided for what is implicated in osteoporosis in older women, the most accurate is 'estrogen deficiency due to menopause.' During menopause, women experience a decrease in the production of estrogen by the ovaries. Estrogen is crucial for promoting osteoblastic activity and the production of bone matrix. Therefore, the reduction in estrogen levels leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis because osteoblasts are less active and produce less bone tissue. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include older age, certain ancestries (European or Asian), family history of the disease, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
It is essential to ensure a diet with adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and to engage in weight-bearing exercise from an early age to maximize bone mass before the age of 30 and thus reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. After the age of 30, maintaining good nutrition and regular exercise remains important in preserving bone density and reducing the risk of fractures.
Estrogen therapy may sometimes be used to help maintain bone density and reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women, but it can have risks and should only be considered after careful evaluation by a healthcare provider. Overall, prevention and early intervention are key strategies in managing the risk of osteoporosis.