Increased 2-Hydroxylation of Estrogen in Women with a Family History of Osteoporosis

Recent studies indicate that women with predominant estrogen metabolism through the 2-hydroxyl (inactive) pathway have lower bone mineral density (BMD) compared with those with predominant 16alpha-hydroxylation (active). Although many factors have been identified to affect estrogen metabolism, the role of a family history of osteoporosis remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of family history of osteoporosis and other clinical factors on estrogen hydroxylation. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a university-based research center from May 2002 to February 2004. The participants included 175 otherwise healthy postmenopausal women at least 1 …