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Growth Hormone Increases Bone Mineral Content in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Eighty osteoporotic, postmenopausal women, 50–70 years of age, with ongoing estrogen therapy (HRT), were randomized to recombinant human growth hormone (GH), 1.0 U or 2.5 U/day, subcutaneous, versus placebo. This study was double‐blinded and lasted for 18 months. The placebo group then stopped the injections, but both GH groups continued for a total of 3 years with GH and followed for 5 years. Calcium (750 mg) and vitamin D (400 U) were given to all patients. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured with DXA. At 18 months, when the double‐blind phase was terminated, total body bone mineral content was highest in the GH 2.5 U group (p = 0.04 vs. placebo). At 3 years, when GH was discontinued, total body and femoral neck bone mineral content had increased in both GH‐treated groups (NS between groups). At 4‐year follow‐up, total body and lumbar spine bone mineral content increased 5% and 14%, respectively, for GH 2.5 U (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0006 vs. placebo). Femoral neck bone mineral density increased 5% and bone mineral content 13% for GH 2.5 U (p = 0.01 vs. GH 1.0 U). At 5‐year follow‐up, no differences in bone mineral density or bone mineral content were seen between groups. Bone markers showed increased turnover. Three fractures occurred in the GH 1.0 U group. No subjects dropped out. Side effects were rare. In conclusion, bone mineral content increased to 14% with GH treatment on top of HRT and calcium/vitamin D in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. There seems to be a delayed, extended, and dose‐dependent effect of GH on bone. Thus, GH could be used as an anabolic agent in osteoporosis.