The influence of oestrogen on bone metabolism

The literature concerning the effect of oestrogen upon bone metabolism is reviewed. Studies both in man and in laboratory animals have been considered. It is concluded that the most constant effect of oestrogen upon bone in man and most other mammals is reduced bone resorption. However, in man and most mammals the bone accretion rate is also reduced as a result of oestrogen influence. Previous studies reporting stimulated bone synthesis produced by oestrogen seem to be unreliable in the light of research of recent years. Thus oestrogen seem to produce an overall slow-down of bone metabolism.