How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help Prevent Osteoporosis and Bone Loss in Women

When it comes to women’s health, it is always important to be on top of issues that can lead to potential health complications later in life. One example of an issue that can occur is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that strikes many women throughout the world, particularly women who have passed menopause. The main concern with osteoporosis is that it weakens bones and reduces bone tissue, which can, in turn, increase the risk of fractures that can impact a person’s life in a great way. One of the most effective ways of curing osteoporosis in women is hormone replacement therapy. Hormone Replacement Therapy works by restoring the estrogen that is lost during menopause, which is what causes osteoporosis. This helps to maintain strong bones and works wonders when it comes to reducing the amount of fractures.

What is Bone Loss and Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and frail, with the tendency to break easily due to the body’s loss of minerals in the bones. It occurs in women more frequently as their bones rely on a hormone called estrogen. When women reach menopause, the amount of estrogen in their body decreases significantly, and they start losing bones rapidly. This also increases their tendency to break bones in the hips, backbone, and wrists. Actually, the National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that half of the women above the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

The Role of Estrogen in Caring for Bones

Estrogen causes the bones to change. Changing the bones involves destroying old bone and creating new bone. Estrogen regulates osteoclasts, which destroy bone, and osteoblasts, which create bone. When the amount of estrogen drops, the osteoclasts get busy, destroying more bone than is created. This causes the loss of bone mass. This is just one reason why osteoporosis occurs after menopause.

How Hormone Replacement Therapy Prevents Bone Loss

Hormone replacement therapy is when the body is given more estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Hormone Replacement Therapy has been looked at to determine how well it prevents osteoporosis and maintains bone strength. Here are some of the benefits that it has and how it works to help treat and prevent bone loss and osteoporosis:

Hormone Replacement Therapy Slows Bone Erosion

Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the likelihood of bone erosion by working to keep bones thick and strong.

Increases Bone Thickness

Studies indicate that women on Hormone replacement therapy build up bone strength, particularly in the hip and spine, which are two of the most common areas in which osteoporosis can cause fractures.

Decreases Risk of Breaking Bones

By strengthening bones, Hormone replacement therapy significantly reduces fractures after menopause in women, particularly those already showing signs and symptoms of osteoporosis.
Improves Absorption of Calcium

Estrogen enhances the body’s use of calcium, which is incredibly crucial when it comes to bone strength.

Helps Maintain Healthy Joints

Estrogen also maintains healthy joints and cartilage, which prevents stiffness and discomfort that is often caused by osteoporosis.

Who Should Receive Hormone Replacement Therapy to Prevent Osteoporosis?

Hormone replacement therapy is sometimes recommended for women at risk for osteoporosis, particularly for those experiencing premature menopause (under the age of 45) or those with a history of osteoporosis in their families. HRT is also beneficial for women with low bone mass or those with prior fractures. However, it is highly advisable to consult a medical professional to weigh the individual risks and benefits of the treatment.

Estrogen replacement in hormone replacement therapy benefits women with osteoporosis. It increases estrogen levels, which prevents bone loss, maintains strong bones, and reduces the risk of fractures. Nevertheless, women should discuss their health issues and risks with their doctor to determine whether hormone replacement treatment is appropriate for them.

Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy may not be right for every woman. In the case where an individual cannot receive hormone replacement therapy, there are alternatives to help prevent osteoporosis and bone loss. These include lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, getting proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, and obtaining the right amount of calcium and vitamin D each day.

If you would like to learn more about how hormone replacement therapy can help to prevent osteoporosis and bone loss, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359 and we will be happy to help answer any questions you may have and get you scheduled for an appointment.