The effect of 25-mg percutaneous estradiol implants on the bone mass of postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the lowest available dose of percutaneous implant, 25 mg estradiol (E2), is effective for the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.


METHODS
Eighteen healthy postmenopausal women were treated with 25-mg percutaneous E2 implants for 1 year. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed at the lumbar spine and proximal hip using a quantitative digital radiography densitometer before treatment and after 1 year. Estradiol and FSH were also measured before and after 1 year of treatment. The changes in bone mineral density were compared with a matched reference group of 18 women who did not wish treatment.


RESULTS
The median percentage changes in the treated group after 1 year were 5.65% at the lumbar spine, 3.38% at the femoral neck, and 3.36% total hip. At 1 year, there was a significant increase in bone mineral density from baseline at all sites measured except Ward triangle. The median post-treatment E2 level was 320 pmol/L (range 114-813), and FSH was 28 IU/L (range 2-66).


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that 25-mg percutaneous E2 implants significantly increase bone mineral density at the spine and hip in postmenopausal women. This dose is effective to prevent postmenopausal bone loss.
Holland
E F
EF
Department of Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Leather
A T
AT
Studd
J W
JW
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D004343:Drug Implants; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause
D004343:Drug Implants; D004958:Estradiol