Final answer:
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that affects postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen, leading to lower bone density and increased fragility. Prevention includes a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, combined with weight-bearing exercise to build bone mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bone condition that primarily affects postmenopausal women is osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, leading to bones that break more easily than normal. Menopause induces hormonal changes that reduce estrogen, which is essential for promoting osteoblastic activity and bone matrix production. A family history of osteoporosis can increase one's risk, so preventative measures such as a childhood diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise, are recommended.
These actions are crucial in building bone mass and minimizing the likelihood of developing the disease. For postmenopausal women, the concern is amplified as estrogen levels, crucial for calcium metabolism, significantly decrease and hasten bone density loss—the resulting fragility of bones such as the femur, vertebrae, and wrist make them susceptible to fractures from minor stress or falls.