Bone mass in postmenopausal women after withdrawal of oestrogen/gestagen replacement therapy

The effect on forearm bone mineral content (BMC) of initiation and withdrawal of oestrogen/gestagen treatment was studied in a randomised trial in 94 healthy female volunteers six months to three years after the menopause. BMC was measured every three months for three years. BMC increased by 3.7% (p less than 0.001) during three years' hormone treatment and decreased by 5.7% (p less than 0.001) during three years' placebo treatment. The annual rate of bone loss after discontinuation of hormone therapy was identical with the bone loss in the placebo group. The present study indicates that even temporary hormone replacement therapy after the menopause will have a lasting beneficial effect on bone mass.