Prevention of Rapid Trabecular Bone Loss in Women Under going Bilateral Oophorectomy

Abstract

Objective To assess the effect of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on bone changes in women undergoing bilateral oophorectomy.

Subjects and methods Thirty-six women undergoing bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy were recruited for the study. Women in the study group (19/36) received conjugated equine estrogen 0.625 mg or percutaneous 17 beta-estradiol 1.5 mg per day, while the control group (17/36) did not receive any hormone regimen.

Main outcome measures Bone mass measurement of both groups was performed at lumbar spines (L. - W) and hip (Non dominant side) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometer at 0, 6 and 12 months.

Results There was faster bone loss rate of lumbar spines in the control group than in the study group. (Percent changes of bone mineral density at 6 and 12 months, ERT: +0.45%, + 0.97%; Non-ERT: - 2.6%, -4.39% respectively, P < 0.05) Conclusion This study showed the preventive effect of ERT on rapid trabecular bone loss in women undergoing surgical castration.