[Substitution estrogen therapy in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Results of long-term therapy].

In the present report, the current approach to the prevention of metabolic damage deriving from oestrogen deficiency involves the use of protocols that vary in the type of hormone employed and the mode of its administration. A homogenous group of 28 postmenopausal women was treated with natural conjugates oestrogen (0.625 mg per diem per os) on a continuous basis plus MAP (10 mg per diem per os) for 12 days a month. The metabolic effect of the oestrogen replacement therapy was assessed annually by blood chemical screening of the lipid situation and the phosphocalcium balance. Computerised radial bone mineralometry using SPA technique was also performed. A smaller group of 19 court of the 28 patients was also subjected to transversal assessment of vertebral BMD using the DXA technique. The results in this latter group were compared with those in 19 women not given oestrogen treatment who had been postmenopausal from 5-7 years. Results after 60 months of treatment confirm the efficacy of oestrogen therapy in preventing the deterioration of the lipid profile and the loss of bone mass after menopause.