We conclude that 2ME2 antagonizes the skeletal changes that follow OVX at doses that have minimal or no effects in the uterus in both young and adult rats; 2ME2 does not appear to act via estrogen receptors and is active on bone at doses well below those required for tumor suppression in mice. 2ME2, through a novel pathway, may be a useful alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy for prevention of postmenopausal bone loss