[Lumbar bone density and serum osteocalcin in pre- and postmenopausal women]

The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L3) and serum osteocalcin (OC) were measured in 31 pre- and 25 postmenopausal women. Bone density was measured by single energy quantitative computed tomography (QCT value). A significant inverse correlation between the QCT value and age was demonstrated in postmenopausal women but no correlation was found in premenopausal women. Mean QCT value was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. Serum OC increases with advancing age and mean serum OC was significantly higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. A significant inverse correlation between the QCT value and serum OC was demonstrated. These data suggest that there is an association between menopause and accelerated loss of lumbar bone density and that the serum OC level may be useful in evaluating the bone mass.