Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal heritable disease in non-Hispanic whites; CF results in frequent lung infections, chronic inflammation and progressive lung failure. With advancements in medical care, patients with CF are living longer. The median survival of women with CF born and diagnosed in 2010 is projected to be 37 years. Patients with CF are now living long enough to develop comorbidities like Cystic Fibrosis related Bone Disease (CFBD), hypogonadism manifesting as pubertal delay, premature ovarian insufficiency or hypothalamic hypogonadism. These comorbidities in women without CF can be improved by estrogen supplementation.~It is well established that treating hypogonadal (low estrogen levels) women with estrogen can improve their bone health, slow the rate of bone loss and decrease bone turnover markers. Supplemental estrogen given to hypogonadal women can improve sexual and reproductive health including reduction of perimenopausal symptoms and improvement in sexual function which can improve quality of life. There is very little research investigating the effects of estrogen treatment for hypogonadal women with CF. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that daily oral estrogen supplements given to hypogonadal women with CFBD will improve their bone health, sexual and reproductive health, and quality of life and modify markers of inflammation and lung function.
The study is a prospective, double blinded, placebo controlled, randomized study to evaluate the effects of daily oral estrogen supplements on bone health, sexual and reproductive health, quality of life and markers of inflammation and lung function when given to hypogonadal women with Cystic Fibrosis related Bone Disease (CFBD).