Low-dose hormone replacement therapy: effects on bone.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the mainstay for postmenopausal osteoporosis prevention. However, at the standard doses, HRT preparations can induce bothersome hormone-related side-effects, in both sequential and continuous combined regimens. Lower-dose HRT schedules are reported to be highly effective in the relief of climacteric symptoms, inducing minimal endometrial stimulation with very low rates of unscheduled bleeding. Moreover, low-dose HRT associated with an adequate calcium supplement can spare bone by preventing the increase in bone turnover and the resultant bone loss in postmenopausal women. Low-dose regimens may be considered as a starting dose not only in elderly subjects, but also in early postmenopausal women to allow for adjustment to HRT. In older women, these may minimize the occurrence of side-effects and improve compliance, while preventing the long-term consequences of estrogen deprivation.
Gambacciani
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Piero Fioretti, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
Monteleone
P
P
Genazzani
A R
AR
D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016387:Women's Health
D004966:Estrogens, Conjugated (USP)