Thiazide diuretics and bone mineral content in postmenopausal women

This retrospective study of 54 postmenopausal women taking thiazide diuretics found that bone mineral measurements and bone fracture prevalence did not differ significantly from those of matched control subjects. Matching on the variables of type of menopause (surgical/nonsurgical), years postmenopausal, duration of estrogen therapy (if any), daily intake of dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D, and Quetelet index was done without knowledge of the bone mineral measurements. Bone mass was recorded as the bone mineral content and bone density of the distal and midshaft radius. Only fractures associated with osteoporosis (hip, rib, vertebrae, and wrist) were recorded. This study suggests that thiazide diuretics do not provide protection against osteoporosis.