The effects of estrone (Ogen) on spinal bone density of postmenopausal women

Article Abstract:

Osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones, is generally a disease of postmenopausal women. With the loss of estrogen that occurs in menopause, women experience a loss of bone density. Estrogen replacement therapy can halt this process, but few studies have been done to document what doses of estrogen are necessary to slow osteoporosis. A group of 120 women were assigned to one of four groups, three receiving estrogen (in 1.25, 0.625, or 0.3 milligram dosages, respectively) and one receiving placebo. All received calcium supplements as well. The density of the bone in their spines was measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The placebo group and the 0.3 milligram estrogen group (the lowest dose) did not differ significantly; both groups lost bone density. The 0.625 and the 1.25 milligram estrogen groups showed small, but significant gains in bone density at 18 and 24 months, suggesting that either dose will slow or halt osteoporosis. The incidence of side effects was also measured. Endometrial hyperplasia, or rapid and often precancerous growth of the tissue of the uterus, is a known side effect of estrogen therapy, and was found in 5 percent of the placebo group, 3 percent of the lowest estrogen group, and 9 and 17 percent of the 0.625 and 1.25 milligram groups, respectively. Nearly half the women receiving any dose of estrogen reported breakthrough bleeding. Breast cancer, also associated with estrogen use, was found in two of the subjects, one in the placebo group, and one in the highest dose group. The latter participant was dropped from the study before the diagnosis of breast cancer was made because she missed too many doses of the drug. The study showed that a dosage of 0.625 milligrams per day of estrogen is sufficient to prevent the bone loss of osteoporosis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Bones, Physiological aspects, Bone density, Postmenopausal women

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Effect of estrone sulfate on postmenopausal bone loss

Article Abstract:

Estrogen treatment is effective in reducing osteoporosis (loss of bone mass) in postmenopausal women. Long-term treatment may be needed to achieve this effect and, consequently, it is desirable to keep the dose of estrogen as low as possible to minimize the risk of side effects. Unfortunately, lower doses of several estrogen preparations have been less effective in treating osteoporosis. Estrone sulfate, a derivative of estrogen, is beneficial in large doses, but the effect of lower estrone doses has not been established. The effectiveness of low doses of estrone in slowing bone loss was assessed in 122 postmenopausal women and compared with that of placebo. Three doses of estrone were evaluated: 0.3 milligrams (mg), 0.625 mg, and 1.25 mg. After 12 months of estrone treatment, patients taking the two higher doses had significantly increased bone mass. These same dosages were associated with a significant decrease in blood cholesterol levels, a beneficial cardiovascular effect. (The major cause of death in older women is coronary artery disease.) The prevalence of side effects was similar among estrone- and placebo-treated women, and breakthrough bleeding was the most common problem. After 12 months of estrone treatment, uterine lining biopsies showed increased growth in 2 of 77 patients; this is an expected effect of estrogenic compounds and may precede cancer development. The results demonstrate that 0.625 mg of estrone is the minimum dose at which bone loss is prevented in postmenopausal women. Long-term effects of the drug are being studied. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Estrone

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