Total body phosphorus (TBP) and total body calcium (TBCa) were measured by neutron activation analysis and whole body counting in 82 white women who were 1-6 years postmenopausal. Mean TBP was 395 g +/- 6.3 (SE). There was no evidence for subgroups of patients with either higher or lower TBP. The TBP was significantly related to TBCa, as well as to the bone mineral content of the distal radius. Positive associations were found between TBP and urinary phosphate excretion as well as serum 1,25(OH)2D levels (r = 0.30; p = 0.017; n = 48). Serum phosphate was related to 1,25(OH)2D levels and the number of years since menopause.