Estrogen Effects on the Skeleton

Although estrogens have been widely used in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis for the last quarter century, surprisingly little is known of the effects of these hormones on adult skeletal metabolism. Furthermore, as has been usual in endocrine research, more is known of lower animals than of man. I will review the better known (and probably less relevant) skeletal effects of estrogens In birds, mice, and rats, will summarize what is known of estrogen effects in higher mammals and in menopausal women, will review with you our own results using calcium balance and calcium kinetic studies in women, and will conclude with a tentative effort at an explanation of estrogen effects on the adult skeleton.