Comparative effect of hormone replacement therapy on bone mass density and skin tensile properties

Objectives: connective tissues constitutive of skin and bones are affected during the climacteric. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help mitigate their atrophy. The aim of this study was to compare the HRT effect on the skin tensile properties and bone mass density. Methods: a total of 120 postmenopausal women (60 untreated, 60 receiving HRT) were enrolled in the study. Skin tensile properties were assessed on the volar forearm using a computerized suction device. A 500 mbar suction was applied through a 4-mm diameter hollow probe. Two operating modes were applied using a steep and a progressive Suction, respectively. BMD was measured on the hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Results: in both groups of women skin elasticity was correlated with BMD. HRT significantly reduced the climacteric-associated decline in skin elasticity. A trend in better preserved BMD was also found in these women without, however, reaching significance. Conclusions: it is concluded that measures of the skin tensile properties can be sensitive enough to disclose HRT efficacy upon connective tissue atrophy. Any decrease in skin elasticity during the climacteric should prompt to perform a BMD assessment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.