The role of estrogen replacement therapy in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Postmenopausal women suffer hip fractures caused by osteoporosis that develops primarily as a consequence of the low estrogen levels of menopause. Calcium supplementation, although probably important before menopause, cannot stop bone loss alone in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal phases. Estrogen replacement therapy remains the treatment of choice. As little as 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens can inhibit bone loss. Oral contraceptives also have a beneficial effect on bone density. Although fluoride therapy can increase bone mass, objectionable side effects rule out its use.
Thorneycroft
I H
IH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112.
D002118:Calcium / Q000172:deficiency; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D005459:Fluorides; D002118:Calcium