Oestrogens and osteoporosis.

The interrelationship between oestrogens, endogenous and exogenous, their effects on plasma calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase metabolism, and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis are reviewed. Aspects of research conducted by me at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town are incorporated in the discussion. The current role of oestrogen therapy in the prevention of osteoporosis ,is presented. It is concluded that appropriate or specific , oestrogens are of value in the prevention of osteoporosis , but have little or no role to play once the process is fully developed. Finally, a plea is made for conservatism with , ovaries during gynaecological operations on young females.