Role of estrogen on bone in the human male: insights from the natural models of congenital estrogen deficiency

The reports of congenital estrogen deficiency - notably, estrogen resistance and aromatase deficiency - have completely changed our knowledge on the role of estrogen on bone in males. Particularly, the bone changes at puberty, which were classically considered androgen-dependent, are now considered to be induced at least in part by estrogen action. Clinical cases of congenital estrogen deficiency have clearly demonstrated that the role of estrogens in epiphyseal closure, skeletal proportions and bone mineralization is crucial not only in women but also in men. In addition progress have been made in the treatment of such a rare disease even though further studies are needed to a definitive understanding of this issue. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.