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Hormone therapy (HT)
Estrogen is important for maintaining bone in premenopausal women, and physicians often prescribe it, commonly in combination with progestin, for women at menopause. The primary reason for starting HT in postmenopausal women is to treat hot flashes, mood disorders, and other symptoms of menopause caused by estrogen deficiency. However, even though HT is no longer FDA approved for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, estrogen does protect bone during the years of rapid bone loss immediately following menopause and may also be effective in preventing hip fractures.
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The use of estrogen alone and combined with progestin (both fall under the umbrella of hormone therapy, or HT) is not without risks, including blood clots, heart attack, and increased incidence of breast cancer. Because individual circumstances differ, you should discuss the benefits and risks of HT with your doctor.
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