HRT clearly decreases the turnover of bone and prevents the loss of bone which occurs once you are in the menopause.
Not only does this prevent hip and spinal fractures, but the oestrogen also acts on the teeth and jaw. This means that you are less likely to lose teeth once you are menopausal if you are taking HRT.
Advertisement
However, HRT must still be combined with other measures to counteract osteoporosis. Weight bearing exercise remains important even if you are taking HRT, as does a sensible diet containing low fat dairy products.
In women who are at particular risk of osteoporosis or who have already developed severe osteoporosis, some people recommend adding alendronate to the HRT as well.
National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa
PO Box 481
Bellville
7535
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?