What percentage of bone loss do women typically experience during the menopause transition?

During the menopause transition, women typically experience a significant shift in their hormonal balance, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, as it helps to inhibit bone resorption, which is the process of bone breakdown. As estrogen levels drop, the rate of bone resorption outpaces bone formation, leading to a loss in bone density.

Research indicates that women can experience approximately 10-12% bone loss during the first few years of menopause, particularly in trabecular bone, which is more sensitive to hormonal changes. This period is characterized by accelerated bone loss, making it crucial for women to be aware of their bone health and consider preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications or medical interventions, to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

The other options present percentages that are either too low or excessively high compared to established figures in the literature, making them less accurate representations of the typical bone loss experienced by women during this critical transitional phase.