Which statement describes a mechanism by which chronic steroid use contributes to osteopenia?

Which statement describes a mechanism by which chronic steroid use contributes to osteopenia?

• A. Interferes With Calcium And Vitamin D Metabolism
• B. Increases Protein Synthesis
• C. Enhances Bone Formation
• D. Promotes Insulin Sensitivity

Answer: (A)

Chronic glucocorticoid exposure disrupts calcium balance by interfering with calcium and vitamin D metabolism, which is a primary driver of steroid-induced bone loss. These drugs reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium excretion, and they can impair the production or action of vitamin D. The resulting negative calcium balance stimulates parathyroid hormone–driven bone resorption, contributing to loss of bone mineral density over time. While steroids also suppress osteoblast activity and favor bone resorption, the disruption of calcium and vitamin D metabolism best explains how chronic steroid use leads to osteopenia.

Chronic glucocorticoid exposure disrupts calcium balance by interfering with calcium and vitamin D metabolism, which is a primary driver of steroid-induced bone loss. These drugs reduce intestinal calcium absorption and increase urinary calcium excretion, and they can impair the production or action of vitamin D. The resulting negative calcium balance stimulates parathyroid hormone–driven bone resorption, contributing to loss of bone mineral density over time. While steroids also suppress osteoblast activity and favor bone resorption, the disruption of calcium and vitamin D metabolism best explains how chronic steroid use leads to osteopenia.