The effect of tibolone on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis—8 years follow-up

Abstract

Objectives: This longitudinal observational study evaluated the effect of 8 years of uninterrupted treatment of tibolone on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with significant osteopenia or osteoporosis. Material and methods: Subjects were 66 postmenopausal women (29 with moderate or severe osteopenia and 37 with osteoporosis) who took tibolone (2.5 mg nocte) uninterruptedly for over 8 years and who attended for annual BMD assessments. Their mean age was 66.7 (0.86) years (range 50–86 years). BMD measurements at the lumbar spine and proximal femur were performed annually by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Results: During the 8 years of treatment with tibolone there was a significant increase in BMD at the spine ( P<0.001) and at the hip ( P<0.001). Women who did not have previous oestrogen therapy had significantly greater response to tibolone than those who had previous treatment with conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Conclusion: This long-term observational study provides evidence of the effectiveness of tibolone in postmenopausal women with moderate/severe osteopenia and osteoporosis in terms of a significant increase in BMD.