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Nafarelin therapy in endometriosis: long-term effects on bone mineral density
E S Orwoll1, A A Yuzpe, K A Burry
1Bone and Mineral Research Unit, Portland Veterans Administration Medical Center, OR 97207.
Objective:
The study intent was to examine long-term effects on bone mass of 3 or 6 months of nafarelin therapy for endometriosis.
Study Design:
Women with established endometriosis (N = 173) were randomized to receive nafarelin (200 micrograms intranasally twice a day) for either 3 or 6 months in a double-blind fashion. Bone mineral density was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine and proximal femoral sites for 18 months.
Results:
Bone mineral density declined at spinal and femoral sites similarly in both 3- and 6-month treatment groups. There was a partial, but incomplete, return to baseline levels after 12 to 15 months of follow-up. The recovery of bone mass was more complete in subjects with higher dietary calcium intakes.
Conclusion:
Nafarelin therapy for endometriosis results in a sustained loss of spinal and femoral bone density, particularly in women with lower calcium intakes.