Oestrogen and bone density: a comparison of tamoxifen and hypo-oestrogenaemia.
The effect of the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen on bone density in post-menopausal women with stage II breast cancer (n = 35) was compared with two untreated hypo-oestrogenaemic groups (premature ovarian failure, n = 20; prolactinoma, n = 19) and a group of women with prolactinomas and normal oestrogen levels (n = 12). Bone densities were normal in the euoestrogenaemic groups, but significantly reduced in both hypo-oestrogenaemic groups. Repeat measurements were available for 31 of the 35 tamoxifen-treated subjects after an interval of 33.9 +/- 14.7 months. The anti-oestrogen action of tamoxifen was not associated with accelerated bone loss of the spine or hip, an outcome that was clearly demonstrable in hypo-oestrogenaemic disorders.
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017698:Postmenopause; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D013629:Tamoxifen