Menopausal hormone therapy improves bone structure and mass

Women who have hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes may enjoy improved bone structure as well as bone mass, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Previous research has shown the positive impact of menopausal hormone therapy on bone mineral density. The work (based on data from 1,279 women) is the first to show it can also improve bone mass and structure, and that the bone health benefits last for at least two years after women stop treatment.

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bones become structurally weak and are more likely to fracture or break. Menopause, which usually occurs when a woman is in her 40s or 50s, significantly speeds bone loss. Over time, the human body is constantly breaking down and building new bone tissue. The imbalance between bone breakdown and formation causes bone mass to decrease, so osteoporosis can develop and fractures occur more easily.

“When used in the right context, specifically in postmenopausal women younger than 60 years old for whom the benefits outweigh risks, menopausal hormonal therapy is effective for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis,” explains Dr Georgios Papadakis, who is involved in the research.

“Women at menopause should take note of this study, because its results can help optimize the use of menopausal hormone treatment in women at risk of osteoporosis.”

Click here to read the original research.

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