Relation of serum growth hormone and estradiol levels and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Li, G.; Zeng, M.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 70(1): 16-19; 2
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 2157532 Document Number: 355374
Serum GH, E2, FSH, LH levels, bone mass, serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP), calcium levels and urinary calcium/creatine ratio in 42 postmenopausal women were compared with those in 30 women of fertile age. In thirteen out of the postmenopausal women we also observed these parameters before and after treatment with diethylstilbestrol (DES). The postmenopausal women had significantly reduced serum GH (P less than 0.01) and E2 levels (P less than 0.001) and increased serum FSH(P less than 0.001), LH levels (P less than 0.001), and had lower bone mass (P less than 0.01). They also had increased serum AKP levels (P less than 0.05) and urinary calcium/creatine ratio(P less than 0.01). There were positive correlations between serum E2 and GH levels, between postmenopausal bone loss and serum E2, GH decline. The postmenopausal bone loss began early as menopause commenced. After treatment with DES in 13 postmenopausal women, we observed that GH significantly increased (P less than 0.01) and FSH, LH decreased (P less than 0.001), AKP decreased by 27.58% and urinary calcium/creatine ratio decreased by 43.94% (compared with that before treatment). Our results indicate that bone turnover increased after menopause and resorption exceeded formation. There is bone loss in early postmenopause. The postmenopausal bone loss is related to serum GH, E2 levels. Estrogen replacement therapy is necessary in postmenopausal women and it should be given as early as possible. After treatment with DES, increased serum GH levels, decreased AKP values (27.58%) and urinary calcium/creatine ratio (43.94%) suggest that estrogen may play a definite role in bone metabolism through increased GH.