title: Prevention of osteoporosis: treatment of estradiol deficiency.
abstract: Estradiol (E2) plays a major role in maintaining women's skeletal integrity. Loss of bone mass is a regular occurrence with E2 deficiency, regardless of etiology. Estrogen-dependent bone loss follows a predictable pattern. Initially, it is quite rapid, preferentially affecting trabecular bone, which may decrease by 5-8% annually, whereas compact or cortical bone decreases by 1-3% annually. After 10-15 years of E2 deficiency, the rate of loss each year decreases; however, by that time, skeletal mass may be one-third to one-half of its youthful level. Because of the resultant skeletal fragility, even minimal trauma can produce fractures of the spine and wrist. After an additional 10-15 years of bone loss, hip fractures occur with alarming frequency. Timely restoration of E2 levels can prevent estrogen-dependent bone loss and can reduce significantly the risk of fracture. Studies show that 2 mg of E2 administered orally is an adequate dose; 1 mg will suffice if it is combined with a high dietary calcium intake. High calcium intake without estrogen is not effective in preventing the accelerated loss of bone that occurs in the years immediately after menopause. Long-term studies confirm that postmenopausal women who regularly use estrogen have greater bone mass and fewer osteoporotic fractures. Physicians should be encouraged to treat all estrogen-deficient women, particularly those who appear to be at higher risk for osteoporosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco, California.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ettinger
mesh_terms: D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002118:Calcium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D011372:Progestins; D004958:Estradiol; D002118:Calcium