healthy women aged 31-72 years participated in the study

include 64 sexual maturity women aged 31-52 were enrolled in four groups based on age

and 67 postmenopausal women

the years of menopause from 1 month to 23 years

were also enrolled in four groups based on duration of menopause. The bone mineral density of the lumbar-spine and femur were measured using dual-energy X-rays absorptionmetry. At the same time

the serum E 2

FSH

BGP were detected by radioimmunoassay; the serum AKP

calcium

phosphate were detected using automatic biochemistry instrument. The results were: the BMD of lumbar-spine and right femur were decreased

and associated with increasing age and the duration of menopause

especially after menopause. Significant positive correlation was noted between BMD and E 2. Serum AKP and BGP levels were higher in postmenopausal women than those of sexual maturity women. The serum calcium level was increased significantly soon after menopause

then decreased to normal level

and maintained in this level. The serum phosphate level had no difference in these groups. Therefore BMD

serum E 2

BGP and AKP determination have some value for the early diagnosis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and prediction of bone tracture also.