[Hormone replacement therapy and osteoporosis]

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency is one significant cause of accelerated bone loss in women during and after menopause. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major health problem, primarily because of the severe morbidity and mortality associated with osteoporotic fractures. The Women's Health Initiative Study (WHI) reported that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prevented osteoporotic fractures. The risks and benefits of HRT are complex and require the individual assessment of each woman considering taking HRT. Use of HRT can be considered as a treatment option for osteoporosis but the risks and benefits should be discussed with each individual woman before starting treatment.