The effect of different doses of calcitonin on bone mineral density and fracture risk in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A total of 107 patients were included in the study to determine the effects of different doses of intranasal calcitonin on bone mineral density and fracture risk in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. All three groups were given 1000 mg/day calcium and vitamin D in adequate doses. Two of the groups, the exception being the placebo group, were also given either 50 IU or 100 IU of calcitonin. The data of 81 patients who completed the 24 months of regular study treatment and controls were evaluated. When compared, both of the calcitonin groups were superior to the placebo group regarding increase in bone mineral density and decrease in fracture rate.