FSH directly regulates bone mass

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, a global public health problem, is attributed solely to estrogen levels, and although FSH levels rise sharply in parallel, a direct effect of FSH on the skeleton is never explored. After menopause, resorption significantly exceeds formation, and this imbalance results in net bone loss, while estrogen replacement slows postmenopausal bone loss, thus reducing the risk of fracture.