Association of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Chronic Periodontitis in Post-Menopause - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Menopause affects the oral cavity along with various hormonal changes; for example, the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) increases, whereas the level of estrogen and progesterone decreases. High bone turnover in post-menopausal women is primarily caused due to the increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. Thus, finding an association between FSH, ALP, and chronic periodontitis is essential, which will aid in early diagnosis and treatment planning.

Materials and methods: Sixty post-menopausal females in the age group of 45-57 years visiting the Department of Periodontics, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, were selected. The subjects were assigned in each group based on the periodontal parameters; that is, group I consisted of 30 post-menopausal females without chronic periodontitis and group II consisted of 30 post-menopausal females with chronic periodontitis. Serum FSH and ALP levels were evaluated, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results: The result showed that age did not differ significantly between groups I and II. Although serum FSH levels were high for both groups I and II, it was however not statistically significant. Serum ALP levels were significantly raised in both the groups and were statistically significant (P = 0.001). The periodontal parameters like gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss were recorded.

Conclusion: A causal relationship between FSH and periodontitis could not be established. However, ALP is shown to be increased in post-menopausal women with chronic periodontitis. ALP is an intracellular enzyme produced by many cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and white blood cells. When periodontal tissue is destroyed, secretion of this enzyme actively increases and hence can be related with disease severity. Thus, it could be used as a reliable diagnostic marker for periodontal disease in post-menopausal women.