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Review examines current endocrine causes of secondary osteoporosis and clinical management approaches.

Review examines current endocrine causes of secondary osteoporosis and clinical management approache…
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Key Takeaway
Consider ERSOP in atypical osteoporosis phenotypes, noting prevalence is underestimated and certainty is not reported.

This comprehensive review addresses endocrine-related secondary osteoporosis, encompassing specific conditions such as hypercortisolism, primary aldosteronism, male hypogonadism, hypercalciuria, and FGF23-dependent phosphate-wasting disorders. The detailed scope focuses on patients with atypical osteoporosis phenotypes, including men, younger adults, and individuals with normal bone mineral density but fragility fractures across diverse clinical settings.

The authors synthesize key pathophysiological mechanisms linking endocrine disorders to bone health. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion is increasingly recognized as a contributor to increased fracture risk. Primary aldosteronism promotes fragility via mineralocorticoid receptor activation, oxidative stress, hypercalciuria, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Male hypogonadism is identified as a major driver of bone loss, while FGF23-mediated phosphate-wasting disorders impair mineralization. Additionally, the text outlines these mechanisms. These insights inform clinical decision making.

The authors note that prevalence is underestimated within the current literature. Safety data regarding adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations are not reported in available data. Optimal care requires structured endocrine assessment, correction of the primary disorder, and integration with bone-specific therapy where appropriate. ERSOP should be considered in patients with atypical osteoporosis phenotypes. Clinicians must interpret these findings cautiously given the review nature and lack of reported certainty or causality notes. Furthermore, the authors emphasize these points to ensure patient safety.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundEndocrine-related secondary osteoporosis (ERSOP) comprises disorders in which bone fragility results from hormonal abnormalities other than age-related or menopausal hypogonadism. Its prevalence is underestimated, and timely recognition is essential because many forms improve or reverse when the underlying endocrine disturbance is corrected.ObjectiveThis Review highlights the evolving concepts, unmet needs, and research opportunities in ERSOP, with focus on hypercortisolism, primary aldosteronism, male hypogonadism, hypercalciuria, and FGF23-dependent phosphate-wasting disorders.Recent findingsMild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is increasingly recognized as a contributor to fracture risk even at near-normal cortisol levels.Primary aldosteronism promotes skeletal fragility via mineralocorticoid receptor activation, oxidative stress, hypercalciuria, and secondary hyperparathyroidism.Male hypogonadism is a major driver of bone loss, and optimal fracture prevention may require combined hormonal and anti-osteoporotic therapy.Differentiating PTH-dependent from PTH-independent hypercalciuria is crucial for management.FGF23-mediated phosphate-wasting disorders impair mineralization and may respond to targeted therapy, including burosumab.ConclusionERSOP should be considered in patients with atypical osteoporosis phenotypes, including men, younger adults, and individuals with normal BMD but fragility fractures. Optimal care requires structured endocrine assessment, correction of the primary disorder, and integration with bone-specific therapy where appropriate.
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