Scope of the study. To evaluate the bone mass loss in women, during menopause and post-menopause (a period associated with a deficit of estrogen) and the effect of the substitution hormonal therapy.
Materials and method. The experimental group included 46 female subjects, evaluated in the beginning of menopause and also at post-menopause, with and without hormonal substitution therapy (in the moment of the consultation). The periodontal clinical (probing depth, CPITN, index of gingival recession, index of dental mobility, index of furcation involvement) and radiological indices were evaluated, on following the evolution of the periodontal status from the first consultation in the 3 years.
Results. It has been demonstrated that, in patients with periodontitis, early onset menopause and the estrogen deficit, the frequency of gingival bleeding on probing and the clinical loss of attachment were higher, comparatively with the patients having followed a hormonal substitution therapy.
Discussion. Apparently, estrogen has a protecting effect upon the periodontium and also upon the severity of the periodontal disease. More than that, the alveolar bone that may be affected by osteoporosis also contributes to the benefic effects of HT, in preventing osteoporosis, the risk of suffering the negative effects of edentation in postmenopause women who receive HT being lower.
Conclusions. The present study evidenced the increased incidence of both gingivitis and periodontal pathology, of the ratio of edentation in women at menopause, while the absence of the hormonal substitution therapy seems to be associated with the severity of the periodontal disease.
- life quality
- menopause
- osteoporosis
- periodontal status
- substitution therapy