Role of estrogen on bone in the human male: insights from the natural models of congenital estrogen deficiency.

[aromatase deficiency]

The reports of congenital estrogen deficiency - notably , estrogen resistance and aromatase deficiency - have completely changed our knowledge on the role of estrogen on bone in males . Particularly , the bone changes at puberty , which were classically considered androgen-dependent , are now considered to be induced at least in part by estrogen action . Clinical cases of congenital estrogen deficiency have clearly demonstrated that the role of estrogens in epiphyseal closure , skeletal proportions and bone mineralization is crucial not only in women but also in men . In addition progress have been made in the treatment of such a rare disease even though further studies are needed to a definitive understanding of this issue .