Long-term effects of transdermal and oral hormone replacement therapy on postmenopausal bone loss

摘要: Transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now an accepted form of treatment, but the long-term skeletal effects have not been assessed. Sixty-six early postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either transdermal HRT (continuous 17β-oestradiol 0.05 mg/day, with 0.25 mg/day norethisterone acetate added for 14 days each 28-day cycle) or oral conjugated equine oestrogens 0.625 0.15 dl-norgestrel 12 cycle). Treatment was given 3 years and 30 matched untreated studied concurrently as a control group. Bone density measured in lumbar spine proximal femur by dual-photon absorptiometry at 6-monthly intervals. turnover assessed measurement biochemical markers. At bone had declined 4% more than 5% femoral neck By comparison increased both treatment groups sites (p<0.001 vs. untreated) measurements indicated significant reduction turnover. There no differences between groups. Twelve per cent on treatments lost amount from despite adequate compliance. Women taking primarily hip fracture prevention may require follow-up establish efficacy treatment.