Postmenopausal osteoporosis: treatment with low-dose sodium fluoride and estrogen.

Eleven menopausal patients were treated for 12 to 18 months with low-dose sodium fluoride and calcium. Six patients also received estrogen replacement. A significant increase in spine or hip bone mineral density measured by dual photon absorptiometry was observed in all patients. The estrogen-treated group had the greatest increase in bone density. Addition of estrogen seems to supplement bone gain and allow sodium fluoride to be administered in lower doses, which are easily tolerated and yet effective.