[The sex steroid content of the blood serum in women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis].

The levels of estradiol, estrone, androstendione, and testosterone were investigated in 25 women aged 56-69 with postmenopausal osteoporosis and in healthy women using radioimmunoassays. Relatively high levels of estradiol, estrone and androstendione were revealed in the study group as compared to the control group. The results obtained showed no association between the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis and deficiency of estrogens because in the healthy controls a decrease in the level of sex hormones was more noticeable. Taking into account the mechanism of the effect of estrogens on osseous tissue and its receptors, calcitonin secretion and, possibly, vitamin D3 synthesis, one can regard a relative elevation of the level of estrogens in postmenopausal osteoporosis as a compensatory protective phenomenon.