The Combination Therapy of Low Dose Estrogen and Fluoride (Monofluorophosphate) for 2 Years in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of BMD (bone mineral density), biochemical bone markers and lipid profiles after combination therapy of low dose estrogen (0.3 mg) and intermittent fluoride (monofluorophosphate) in postmenopausal osteopenia. METHOD: We studied 61 women with postmenopausal osteopenia from March 2002 to May 2005. Group I (n=30) was treated with low dose estrogen (0.3 mg), fluocalcic(R) (monofluorophosphate 100 mg+calcium 500 mg), and calcium (500 mg). Group II (n=31) was treated with standard dose estrogen (0.625 mg) and calcium (1,000 mg). BMD at the lumbar spine and femur, osteocalcin, deoxypyridinoline, and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and 2-year after treatment. RESULTS: 1) Average postmenopausal periods were 2.8 years and 3.1 years in Group I and II, respectively. 2) BMD increased significantly in two groups, and BMD in group I increased significantly more than that in group II. 3) Deoxypyridinoline decreased significantly in two groups, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. 4) Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly in two groups. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with monofluorophosphate and low dose estrogen in postmenopausal osteopenia was more effective than standard dose estrogen therapy to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.