Women at highest genetic risk of fracture benefit most from hormone therapy

Genetics are key to hormone therapy that lowers the risk of broken bones in older women, says research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

As women age, their bone mineral density decreases, leaving them at greater risk of breaking bones from falling. But some women also are more genetically prone to fractures.

Experts looked at data from 9,922 women who took part in hormone therapy clinical trials.

“We found that women who are genetically at the highest fracture risk can enjoy the greatest protection from fracture when they use hormone therapy,” explains Heather Ochs-Balcom, who led the research team.

“This study provides a better understanding of who can benefit the most in terms of bone health from hormone therapy use. This is important because, as previous studies have identified, there are risks and benefits with hormone therapy. This is where precision or personalized medicine comes in, the attempt to get the right drugs to the right person to ensure the most benefit and least harm.”

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