Question:Does anyone know of any references which take a stand with regard to the
issue of whether hormone replacement therapy should be continued on into
old age? That is, we know that hormone replacement helps within the
perimenopausal period; but does it help to prevent osteoporosis if it is
continued until the end of life?
Answer:In the particular study I read from the Archives of Internal
Medicine earlier today, they found that the benefits of hormones were
significant only for the current users of the hormones. These were
women over the age of 65.
What is best for your particular situation will depend on your own
unique health risks. Is there some particular reason that you feel you
are at risk of osteoporosis? It is not inevitable.
The current issue of Health magazine has an article on a new drug, a
designer estrogen called Raloxifene, which could be taken instead of
HRT. But if you actually have osteoporosis Raloxifene has not been
shown yet to actually prevent factures so the article suggests
something more potent like fosamax should be taken. Estrogen has not
been shown to prevent fractures either of course.
