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Early postmenopausal bone loss is not associated with a decrease in circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D,
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Menopause accelerates bone loss, more than doubling the rate after estrogen levels decline. Vitamin D metabolite levels, however, do not appear to influence this early postmenopausal bone loss.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Menopause Research
Background:
- Menopause is associated with accelerated bone loss.
- Estrogen deficiency is a key factor in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
- The role of vitamin D metabolites in menopausal bone loss requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between estrogen levels and the rate of bone loss before and after menopause.
- To examine the association of vitamin D metabolites with bone loss during the menopausal transition.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 19 premenopausal women over 8 years.
- Annual measurements of appendicular bone mass.
- Annual assessment of serum estrone, estradiol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and vitamin D-binding protein.
Main Results:
- Serum estrogen levels declined prior to menopause.
- The rate of bone loss more than doubled at the time of menopause.
- No significant changes were observed in vitamin D metabolite levels from pre- to postmenopause.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen decline is linked to accelerated bone loss at menopause.
- Vitamin D metabolite levels are not associated with early postmenopausal bone loss.