Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis

“…HRT has been shown to have an effective role
in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates are considered as first-line options…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Postmenopause Osteoporosis
  • Thin Bones

Bone Loss Prevention

Is hormone therapy (HT) approved for prevention of bone loss?

On page 775 in The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points, published July 2022 and “endorsed by more than 20 well-respected international organizations”, the North American Menopause Society (now the Menopause Society) note:

  • “Hormone therapy is FDA approved for prevention of bone loss, but not for treatment of osteoporosis. (Level I)”.2

What is FDA?

FDA can be an abbreviation for the (United States) Food and Drug Administration.

What is Level I?

In this context “Level I: Based on good and consistent scientific evidence”.

Hormone Therapy and OsteoporosisOn page six of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 4. Why Is MHT Important? Why Consider MHT? the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS include about menopause hormone therapy (MHT):

“MHT helps women manage the challenging symptoms of menopause and protects against conditions that become more common after menopause, such as:

  • Bone health: MHT helps protect against osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and can lead to fractures”.3

Early Menopause

What is one of the highlights about early menopause included in the 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of the North American Menopause Society?

On page one in The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement, published 07 July 2022, one of the highlights is:

  • “Women with primary ovarian insufficiency and premature or early menopause have higher risks of bone loss, heart disease, and cognitive or affective disorders associated with estrogen deficiency. It is recommended that hormone therapy can be used until at least the mean age of menopause unless there is a contraindication to its use”.4

Early Menopause and Breast Cancer Risk

What is one of the recommendations included in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause?

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “Women with POI and early menopause (40–45 years old) should be advised that HRT is unlikely to increase risk of breast cancer in younger menopausal women under the age of 50”.5

Postmenopausal Bone Loss

Does HT prevent bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women?

On page 775 in The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points the NAMS include:

  • “Hormone therapy prevents bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women, with dose-related effects on bone density. (Level I)”.6

Postmenopausal Fracture Risk

Does HT reduce fracture risk in healthy postmenopausal women?

On page 775 in The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points the NAMS include:

  • “Hormone therapy reduces fracture risk in healthy postmenopausal women. (Level I)”.7

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Can HT be used in the prevention of osteoporosis?

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis

  • “Bisphosphonates are considered as first-line options for most patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis due to their broad spectrum of anti-fracture efficacy”.8

Bisphosphonates

What are bisphosphonates?

DotS the definition of bisphosphonates may vary. In Bisphosphonates: What Are Biphosphenates? Drugs.com elaborate on:

“Bisphosphonates are a group of medicines that slow down or prevent bone loss, strengthening bones. Bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclasts which are responsible for breaking down and reabsorbing minerals such as calcium from bone (the process is known as bone resorption). Bisphosphonates allow osteoblasts (bone building cells) to work more effectively, improving bone mass”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I choose to use HT?

If you choose to use HT it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “The decision whether to take HRT, the dose and duration of its use should be made on an individualised basis after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. This should be considered in the context of the overall benefits obtained from using HRT including symptom control and improving quality of life as well as considering the bone and cardiovascular benefits associated with HRT use”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. Ask Early Menopause.org
  2. Hormone Therapy and OsteoporosisBMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
  3. BMS TV: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  4. BMS TV: Osteoporosis
  5. Bioidentical Hormones
  6. Bisphosphonates
  7. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation [United States]
  8. Bone Health In Menopause
  9. Hormone Therapy and OsteoporosisBonetalk.org [Bone Talk, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
  10. Bones and Beyond: The Benefits of Self-Care for Both Body and Mind
  11. Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
  12. CAMS Menopause Hour: The Clinical Management and Risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  13. Can Calcium Supplements Prevent Osteoporosis?
  14. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  15. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  16. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  17. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  18. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  19. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Impact of Estrogen Deficiency on Quality of Life In Asia and the Role of Continuous Combined MHT In Treatment (EN) [27 November 2024]
  20. Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video [November 2024]
  21. HRT
  22. HRT Questions Answered
  23. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  24. HRT: Benefits and Risks
  25. Health After Menopause
  26. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  28. Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Persons: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions
  29. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  30. Hormones & Osteoporosis: The Hidden Risk for Women In Menopause | Dr Louise Newson
  31. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  32. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  34. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness Month
    Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis
  35. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  36. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause
  40. Menopause
  41. Menopause and HRT [Breast Cancer Risk]
  42. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  43. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  44. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  45. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  46. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  47. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  48. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  49. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  50. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  51. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  52. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  53. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  54. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  55. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis
  56. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  57. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  58. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  59. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  60. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  63. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  64. Osteoporosis
  65. Osteoporosis
  66. Osteoporosis
  67. Osteoporosis & Oestrogen
  68. Osteoporosis Treatment: A-Z of Osteoporosis Treatments
  69. Osteoporosis Treatment: Medications Can Help
  70. Osteoporosis, the Silent Disease, Can Shorten Your Life − Here’s How To Prevent Fractures and Keep Bones Healthy
  71. Osteoporosis: Bone Health Following Menopause
  72. Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
    Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis
  73. Postmenopause
  74. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  75. Screening for Osteoporosis
  76. Shedding Light on the Menopause Experience and Demystifying Treatment
  77. The 2023 Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing Menopause
  78. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
    Hormone Therapy
  79. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  80. The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials and Clinical Practice
  81. The Women’s Health Initiative Trials: Clinical Messages
  82. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  83. Treatment
  84. Treatment
  85. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  86. Updates on Exercise and Lifestyle Tips for Bone Strength With Joanne Fagerstrom, PT CFP
  87. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies [18 October 2024]
  88. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Preventing Bone Loss At Menopause
  89. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Prevention of Chronic Diseases In Women: Where Does MHT Fit In?
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – The Women’s Health Initiative – What Can We Believe?
  91. Webinars: Previous – Approach To Bone Health In the Perimenopause and Postmenopause?
  92. Webinars: Previous – Changing the Paradigm for Earlier Osteoporosis Prevention
  93. What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?
  94. What Is A Bone Density Test (DXA Scan)
  95. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women – Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy [Multiply Languages]
  96. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women – The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  97. Worldosteoporosisday.org [World Osteoporosis Day]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 29 December 2024
  2. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points. July 2022: 775. North American Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 29 December 2024
  3. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 4. Why Is MHT Important? Why Consider MHT? 2024:6. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 07 November 2024
  4. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. 07 July 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 29 December 2024
  5. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 29 December 2024
  6. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points. July 2022: 775. North American Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 29 December 2024
  7. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Osteoporosis – Key Points. July 2022: 775. North American Menopause Society https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/press-release/ht-position-statement-release.pdf Accessed: 29 December 2024
  8. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 29 December 2024
  9. Bisphosphonates: What Are Bisphosphonates? Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/bisphosphonates.html Accessed: 29 December 2024
  10. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 29 December 2024
Topic Last Updated: 01 July 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 29 December 2024

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