HRT for Menopausal Symptoms: Can It Protect My Bone Health, Too?

May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month – the ideal time for women in menopause to pay more attention to their bone health.

At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we specialize in menopause care for women who are struggling with hot flashes, low libido, vaginal dryness, and other menopause-related symptoms.

Our compassionate providers focus on relieving your symptoms and providing the resources you need to protect your long-term wellness. We provide a range of treatment solutions, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to make your menopause journey more manageable.

How the menopause transition affects a woman’s health

Menopause is the natural end of a woman’s childbearing years, a time when their periods stop for good. The months or years leading up to menopause are known as perimenopause.

Throughout perimenopause, your body doesn’t produce as much estrogen and other reproductive hormones as it once did. A decline in these hormones impacts many aspects of your health because reproductive hormones regulate multiple biological functions.

In particular, the reduction of estrogen can cause rapid bone loss that increases a woman's risk for fractures and osteoporosis. According to the Endocrine Society, one in two postmenopausal women develop osteoporosis.

Menopause can also contribute to other persistent health issues, including:

• Stroke
• Urinary incontinence
• Cardiovascular disease
• Vaginal atrophy (tissue shrinking)

Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective strategy to prevent osteoporosis and other menopause-related complications.

The benefits of HRT for bone loss prevention

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition where your bones become less dense and weak. Weakened bones leave you more susceptible to fractures, even with minor trauma.

HRT can prevent the rapid breakdown of bone during your menopause transition. When you take supplemental estrogen, it balances out your natural hormone levels to protect against fractures and progressive bone loss.

Our providers may also recommend supplemental vitamin D and calcium, two essential nutrients required for strong, healthy bones. You may also need to make dietary improvements to ensure your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain optimal health.

Other treatment strategies for osteoporosis

While osteoporosis is progressive, it’s never too late to treat the disease. If you have concerns about osteoporosis, speak with our team about what steps to take next.

If you’ve already experienced a fracture or when diagnostic testing reveals poor bone density, you may benefit from osteoporosis medications known as bisphosphonates. There are also bone-building medications that stimulate new bone growth.

Additionally, if you regularly drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, your bone health can suffer in the long run. Ask our team for resources to help you quit smoking for good and use alcohol in moderation.

Women with osteoporosis also need to remain diligent about their safety to prevent falls. Be sure to clear clutter from your home, wear supportive shoes, and be mindful of other factors that can increase your risk for falls and painful fractures.

Call The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group office near you today to schedule a hormone replacement therapy consultation. You can also book an appointment online.