Which condition puts a patient at risk for developing osteoporosis?

The condition that places a patient at risk for developing osteoporosis is amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation. In women, regular menstrual cycles are important for maintaining optimal levels of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in bone health. When menstruation ceases, particularly for an extended period, estrogen levels decline, leading to an increase in bone resorption (the process where bone is broken down) and a decrease in bone formation. This hormonal imbalance contributes significantly to the development of osteoporosis, making individuals with amenorrhea particularly vulnerable to bone density loss and fractures.

Menstrual regularity, on the other hand, is associated with normal estrogen levels and healthy bone metabolism, thus providing a protective effect. Obesity does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis; in fact, higher body weight may have a somewhat protective effect on bone density. Regular exercise typically strengthens bones and contributes positively to bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis rather than increasing it. Therefore, amenorrhea is the option that clearly indicates a risk factor for developing osteoporosis due to the associated hormonal changes.