Bone mass in postmenopausal women after withdrawal of oestrogen/gestagen replacement therapy
Abstract
The effect on forearm bone mineral content (BMC) of initiation and withdrawal of oestrogen/gestagen treatment was studied in a randomised trial in 94 healthy female volunteers six months to three years after the menopause. BMC was measured every three months for three years. BMC increased by 3.7% (p less than 0.001) during three years' hormone treatment and decreased by 5.7% (p less than 0.001) during three years' placebo treatment. The annual rate of bone loss after discontinuation of hormone therapy was identical with the bone loss in the placebo group. The present study indicates that even temporary hormone replacement therapy after the menopause will have a lasting beneficial effect on bone mass.
Postmenopausal bone loss can be prevented by hormone replacement therapy. The present study examines the effect on forearm bone mineral content (BMC) of initiation and withdrawal of estrogen/gestagen treatment. 114 women (3 motnhs to 3 years postmenopausal) were randomly assigned into 2 treatment groups: A ('Trisequens' forte) and B (placebo). 94 women completed the 1st 2 years' study. 77 of the remaining 94 completed the 3rd year of the study. BMC was measured by photon absorptionmetry. The BMC method is associated with long-term reproducibility of 1.2% in normal subjects. BMC was measured every 3 months for 3 years. The hormone treatment increased the BMC value by 3.7% (p 0.001) while the placebo treatment decreased BMC by 5.7% (p 0.001). Annual rate of bone loss after…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 114 participants or records.
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