Abstract
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), by means of oestrogens (and cyclic progestogens), has become recognised as the only well-established prophylactic measure against postmenopausal bone loss [1,2]. Numerous clinical studies have reported a bone-mass preserving effect during study periods extending from 2 to 8 years [3]. Furthermore, the results of several epidemiological studies, of both retrospective and prospective designs, indicate that such treatment can also reduce the risk of fragility fractures in the vertebrae, distal radius and hip [3]. As postmenopausal bone loss, with ensuing bone fragility (osteoporosis), is a major cause of fractures, it has, according to a consensus development conference in 1987 [1], been considered justified to give HRT to women identified to be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
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Persson, I., Adami, H.O., Bergkvist, L. (1990). Hormone Replacement Therapy and the Risk of Cancer in the Breast and Reproductive Organs: A Review of Epidemiological Data. In: Drife, J.O., Studd, J.W.W. (eds) HRT and Osteoporosis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1799-5_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1799-5_14
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