Histomorphometric changes in the skeleton of postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density treated with percutaneous estradiol implants

Objective: To identify the effects of percutaneous estradiol (E2) implants on bone histology and bone mass of postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density, Methods: Sixteen postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density were treated with 75-mg E2 implants. Each had iliac crest bone biopsies performed, following double-tetracycline labeling, before treatment and 1 year later. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and proximal hip was also performed before and after 1 year of therapy. Serum E2 and FSH were measured after 1 year, Results: There were significant reductions in the osteoid volume, osteoid surface, eroded surface, and activation frequency following treatment