EFFECTS OF 2 YEARS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT UPON BONE MASS, SERUM-LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS

The objective of this study was to measure the effects on postmenopaus al women of 2 years of either a low dose or a moderate dose regimen of hormone replacement upon bone mass and serum cardiovascular risk fact ors. After 6 months of calcium supplementation, 75 women chose to add hormone replacement or to remain on calcium. Those choosing hormones w ere randomised to either 0.3 mg/day equine estrogen and 2.5 mg/day med roxyprogesterone or 0.625 mg/day equine estrogen, days 1-25, and 5 mg/ day medroxyprogesterone, days 16-25. On calcium only, lumbar spine bon e mineral content and radius bone mass fell. Serum concentrations of c holesterol and triglycerides increased while HDL concentration fell. T he low dose continuous regime reduced whole body bone turnover and pre vented the age related reductions in bone mass and serum cardiovascula r risk profile. The moderate dose regimen reduced whole body bone turn over and increased lumbar spine bone mass. Total serum cholesterol was unchanged while HDL levels increased, LDL levels fell and triglycerid e concentration increased.