Treatment of postmenopausal hyperparathyroidism with norethindrone. Effects on biochemistry and forearm mineral...

The effects of norethindrone (5 mg daily) on biochemical variables and forearm mineral density were assessed in 20 postmenopausal women with mild primary hyperparathyroidism. Norethindrone produced a significant fall in plasma calcium levels and the fasting urinary calcium-creatinine and hydroxyproline-creatinine ratios after three months of treatment. There was no change in the plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations. The forearm mineral density before treatment was low in 16 of the 20 patients and there was a significant increase in forearm mineral density after norethindrone treatment. No side effects were reported. We conclude that norethindrone is an effective treatment for mild hyperparathyroidism in postmenopausal women.