Thiazide for the postponement of postmenopausal bone loss

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a significant health concern.
• Thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed for hypertension.
• The effect of thiazides on bone mineral loss requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effect of thiazide on bone mineral loss in postmenopausal women.
• To assess the impact of thiazide on urinary calcium excretion.
• To determine if thiazide offers a protective effect against osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
• Sixty-three healthy postmenopausal women participated.
• Participants received either bendroflumethiazide 5 mg/day or placebo, with a daily calcium supplement of 0.5 g.

Main Results:

• Bone mineral content (BMC) decreased by 2% annually in the placebo group.
• Thiazide showed no significant protective effect on BMC over 3 years.
• Thiazide significantly reduced urinary calcium excretion by 25%.

Conclusions:

• Thiazide's effect on reducing bone mineral loss in postmenopausal women is short-lived.
• Despite lowering urinary calcium, thiazide does not prevent osteoporosis.
• Further research is needed to explore alternative treatments for postmenopausal bone loss.