Justification for the use of HRT in the long-term prevention of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a common condition in postmenopausal women and is associated with significant healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. It is clear that long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has a role to play in preventing osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density and reducing fracture rate. It is important that these benefits, as well as those on climacteric symptoms, quality of life, colorectal carcinoma and cognition, are not underestimated in the face of the postulated risks with regard to breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, HRT should currently be used only for women with climacteric symptoms or an increased risk of osteoporosis, and it is important that there is an individualised approach to treatment based on each woman's risk profile.
Stevenson
John C
JC
National Heart & Lung Division, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK. j.stevenson@imperial.ac.uk
D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D003704:Dementia / Q000517:prevention & control; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017698:Postmenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome