Does oestriol add to the beneficial effect of combined hormonal prophylaxis against early postmenopausal osteoporosis?

Sixty-nine healthy women in the early menopause were assessed in terms of calcium metabolism, coronary risk factors, Kupperman index, and various serum hormones before and during replacement therapy with 17 beta-oestradiol plus oestriol and norethisterone acetate. The patients were followed for 1 year, and the daily doses used were: 17 beta-oestradiol: 2 mg from day 1 to day 22, 1 mg from day 23 to day 28; oestriol: 1 mg from day 1 to day 22, 0.5 mg from day 23 to day 28; and norethisterone acetate: 1 mg from day 13 to day 22. Group A (n = 22) received 17 beta-oestradiol and norethisterone acetate; group B (n = 20) received 17 beta-oestradiol plus oestriol and norethisterone acetate and group C (n = 23) received a placebo. The responses in groups A and B were similar with no significant difference between the two therapy regimens. The results suggest that in the dose given, oestriol does not add significantly to the beneficial effect of combined hormonal prophylaxis against early postmenopausal osteoporosis.