Influence of sex hormones on the periodontium.
OBJECTIVE
Sex hormones have long been considered to play an influential role on periodontal tissues, bone turnover rate, wound healing and periodontal disease progression. The objectives of this review article are to (1) address the link between sex hormones and the periodontium, (2) analyse how these hormones influence the periodontium at different life times and (3) discuss the effects of hormone supplements/replacement on the periodontium.


METHODS
Two autonomous searches were performed in English language utilizing Medline, Premedline and Pubmed as the online databases. Publications up to 2002 were selected and further reviewed. In addition, a manual search was also performed including specific related journals and books.


RESULTS
It is certain that sexual hormones play a key role in periodontal disease progression and wound healing. More specifically, these effects seem to differentiate by gender as well as lifetime period. In addition, the influence of sex hormones can be minimized with good plaque control and with hormone replacement.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite profound research linking periodontal condition with sex hormones kinetics, more definitive molecular mechanisms and therapy still remain to be determined.
Mascarenhas
Paulo
P
Department of Periodontics/Prevention/Geriatrics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Gapski
Ricardo
R
Al-Shammari
Khalaf
K
Wang
Hom-Lay
HL
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000378:metabolism*; D015519:Bone Density; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D010519:Periodontium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D015850:Interleukin-6