Bone Density and Progesterone Cream Study
Dr. Leonetti is calling for more participants — let’s help her
A few years back I wrote in the Hopkins Health Watch about Helene Leonetti, M.D., who was a great friend and colleague of Dr. John Lee. At that time, Dr. Leonetti had won approval from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Bethlehem, PA to begin a study titled “The Role of Transdermal Progesterone Cream in Increased Osteoblastic Activity and Delay of Osteoporosis in Women over 70 Years of Age,” which is to say, a study investigating whether progesterone maintains and builds bone in older women. This was a study that Dr. Lee had wanted done for years and he jokingly referred to it as “The Little Old Lady Study.”
Dr. Leonetti was successful in launching the study, thanks to her own substantial time and effort, help from ZRT Lab, the Progesterone Research Institute and others. Although she recruited over 100 women, some dropped out and she is looking for 28 more participants so she’ll have a total of 100. To participate in the study you must be 70 years and older, living within a few hours’ drive of Bethlehem, with the following qualifications:
- Non-smokers
- Not be taking thyroid replacement, hormone replacement
- Not taking anti-resorptive drugs (e.g. Fosamax, Actonel, Evista)
- Must be independent and responsible enough to commit to this regimen for at least one year.
Each woman will receive a baseline bone mineral density test and have blood drawn to measure TSH, FSH, and a lipid profile—at no cost to themselves. They will have progesterone cream and a calcium/magnesium supplement mailed to their home at no cost.
If you’re interested in participating or know someone who might be, please call Dr. Leonetti’s office at: (610) 882-3100.
Source: Virginia Hopkins Health Watch
