Nafarelin therapy in endometriosis: long-term effects on bone mineral density.
OBJECTIVE
The study intent was to examine long-term effects on bone mass of 3 or 6 months of nafarelin therapy for endometriosis.


METHODS
Women with established endometriosis (N = 173) were randomized to receive nafarelin (200 micrograms intranasally twice a day) for either 3 or 6 months in a double-blind fashion. Bone mineral density was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and proximal femoral sites for 18 months.


RESULTS
Bone mineral density declined at spinal and femoral sites similarly in both 3- and 6-month treatment groups. There was a partial, but incomplete, return to baseline levels after 12 to 15 months of follow-up. The recovery of bone mass was more complete in subjects with higher dietary calcium intakes.


CONCLUSIONS
Nafarelin therapy for endometriosis results in a sustained loss of spinal and femoral bone density, particularly in women with lower calcium intakes.
Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, OR 97207.
E S
ES
Orwoll
A A
AA
Yuzpe
K A
KA
Burry
L
L
Heinrichs
V C
VC
Buttram
M D
MD
Hornstein
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D017274:Nafarelin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013131:Spine / Q000378:metabolism
D017274:Nafarelin; D004958:Estradiol