[Effect of danazol on bone mineral content and bone metabolism in patients with endometriosis]

Danazol, which is commonly employed in the treatment of endometriosis creates a low estrogen and high androgen condition by suppressing ovarian steroidogenesis. When a reproductive-aged woman suddenly develops low estrogen, even if it is reversible, it is possible that it can have some effect on her bone mineral content and there is the danger that this might constitute a risk factor in the development of postmenopausal bone metabolism. In 12 cases of endometriosis (average age 42.2) 400 mg/day Danazol was given for 4 months to determine if a low estrogen and high androgen condition actually continued. The effect on the bone metabolism which provides a background to metacarpal bone mineral content was also examined in comparison with before and after seven months' administration. As a result, after Danazol administration, estradiol showed a tendency to decrease and dehydroepiandrosterone showed a tendency to increase although no significant change in the estrogen and androgen level was recognized. There was also no change on the bone mineral content and there was no significant change in bone metabolism, calcitonin excepted. Therefore, from the results of calcitonin evaluation, 400mg/day Danazol administered for 4 months does not seem to be absorbed by bone and at least appears not to have any significance as a bone metabolism risk factor.