PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS AMONG POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN- HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY A REMEDY?

Menopause is a stage which every woman has to pass through. Menopausal stage brings physical changes as well as microbial changes in the oral cavity. The latter change is often left unnoticed, or it is neglected. The important feature during menopause is a rapid decline in the level of the hormone estrogen. Due to the gradual to a rapid drop in the level of the hormone, there is a lower absorption of the dietary calcium. This change will lead to a weaker bone or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is seen in the alveolar bone, especially in the mandible area. Pockets are formed in the Periodontium (tissues and bone surrounding the tooth). These pockets will help the anaerobic bacteria like Prevotella, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium, and the other anaerobic bacteria to multiply and harbor leading to tissue damage and tooth loss. A comparative study was done between Premenopausal and Postmenopausal women. One hundred ten subjects were from each group was chosen for the study. Periodontal bacteria were isolated. Statistical analysis was done with the Chi-square test. P value was found significant for the main periodontal pathogens. These established Postmenopausal women were subjects of periodontitis when compared with Premenopausal women. HRT may help the Postmenopausal women in overcoming this difficulty and have better oral health.