Year: 2001
Type: article
Abstract: Prior et al. complain that our study is flawed because it relies on an inadequate estrogen deprivation concept as the sole explanation for differences found in the prospective data for midlife women. However, our study was not designed to sort out the complex physiological changes of perimenopause, and our naming of the groups as “postmenopausal” (PM) and “estrogen replete” (ER) groups was not intended necessarily to reduce the perimenopausal changes to one idea, “estrogen deprivation.” We could just as well have labeled the groups “menopausal” and “menses continuing.” Either way, the study accomplished what we set out to do, that is, to track longitudinal changes in bone mass across menopause. It focused on accompanying changes in bone mass and in serum levels of estradiol and gonadotropin. It showed that those still making or receiving estrogen did not experience the bone loss of those whose menses ceased. Finally, and probably most important, at least in our view, it quantified the changes occurring at this important life stage.
Authors: Robert R. Recker, Joan M. Lappe, Michael Davies, Robert P. Heaney
Institution: Creighton University
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2087462742