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Research Article| Volume 20, ISSUE 3, P549-558, September 2000

Sex Steroids and Osteoporosis: The Role of Estrogens and Androgens

  • Robert A. Adler
    Correspondence
    Address reprint requests to Robert A. Adler, MD, Endocrinology (111-P), McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249.
    Affiliations
    From the Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and the Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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      Osteoporosis (low bone mass) depends on the peak bone mass attained and bone loss after the peak. Sex steroids (estrogens and androgens) have an impact on both processes. In this article the roles and mechanisms of estrogens and androgens are discussed in relation to clinical osteoporosis. Other hormones and hormonelike drugs, such as raloxifene, may be used to mimic the effects of natural sex steroids.
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