The prevention of bone loss in young women treated with GnRH analogues with Add-Back estrogen therapy

Objective: To determine whether the addition of a low dose of oral estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) taken daily can prevent the bone loss associated with continuous GnRH analogue use. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 women aged 21-45 years were randomized to one of three treatment groups: placebo implant every 4 weeks plus placebo ERT tablets daily, Zoladex (goserelin 3.6 mg) implant every 4 weeks plus placebo ERT tablets daily, or Zoladex (3.6 mg) implant every 4 weeks plus estradiol valerate, 2 mg/day, with norethisterone 5 mg from days 22-28