What is the condition of systemic bone mass loss called?

Osteoporosis is the condition of systemic bone mass loss characterized by a decrease in bone density, making bones more fragile and susceptible to fractures. This condition typically develops over time and is influenced by a variety of factors including age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise.

In osteoporosis, the balance between bone resorption (the process by which bone is broken down) and bone formation is disrupted, leading to an overall loss of bone density. This condition particularly affects older adults, especially post-menopausal women due to a decline in estrogen levels, which plays a critical role in maintaining bone density.

The other options refer to different bone and joint conditions. Rickets is a childhood disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, leading to soft and weakened bones. Paget's disease involves abnormal and excessive bone remodeling but is distinct from the systemic loss of bone mass seen in osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a degenerative joint disease that affects cartilage and joint health rather than systemic bone density.