Bone Health
- 30 Nov 2023
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Bone Health
- Updated on 30 Nov 2023
- 1 Minute to read
- Print
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- HRT has been shown to have an effective role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
- Studies have shown a bone-preserving effect even with relatively low doses of oestrogen replacement.
- The bone-protective effect of oestrogen is dose and duration related, and the bone preserving effect of HRT declines after discontinuation of treatment.
- NICE says the risk of fragility fracture is decreased while taking HRT and this benefit is maintained during treatment but decreases once treatment stops.
- HRT should be considered the first-line therapeutic intervention for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
- Bisphosphonates are considered as first-line options for most patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis due to their broad spectrum of anti-fracture efficacy. HRT may be considered as an additional alternative option, particularly in younger postmenopausal women with menopausal symptoms, who are at increased risk of fractures.
References and Further Information:
- Joint position statement by the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on best practice recommendations for the care of women experiencing the menopause. Post Reproductive Health. 2022.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Guideline. Menopause (update). Draft for consultation, Nov 2023.
- Hamoda H, Panay N, Pedder H et al. The British Menopause Society & Women’s Health Concern 2020 recommendations on hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women. Found on page 185. Post Reprod Health 2020.
- Zhu L, Jiang X, Sun Y, et al. Effect of hormone therapy on the risk of bone fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause 23(4): 461–470. 2016.
- NICE Menopause. Diagnosis and management. Section 1.5.12. Last updated December 2019.
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