Menopause news

Even ultra low dose HRT good for symptoms and bones.

19 December 2007

Over the last few years the doses of estrogen used in HRT preparations have continued to fall. The use of low dose preparations appears to cause less side effects such as breast tenderness and bleeding but do they work? It appears that they do, with a study from Pisa recently reporting in Maturitas [ref]. Postmenopausal women received either low dose HRT containing 1mg estrogen (estradiol) and 0.5mg progestogen (norethisterone), or ultra low dose HRT containing 0.5mg estrogen (estradiol) and 0.25mg progestogen (norethisterone) for 2 years. Both groups also received 1000mg calcium daily and both groups were compared with women who received 1000mg calcium only for 2 years. Assessments were made on effect on menopausal symptoms and on bone density measurements.

Both low dose and ultra low dose HRT were effective in controlling menopausal symptoms. In the group taking calcium only, bone mineral density significantly decreased at the spine and the hip. In the low dose HRT treated group, bone mineral density increased significantly at the spine and hip after 24 months. In the ultra low dose HRT treated women, spine and hip bone mineral density also significantly increased after 24 months. In these women treated with low dose HRT and ultra low dose HRT the bone mineral density values were significantly higher from those measured in calcium only treated women. In conclusion, both low dose and ultra low dose HRT can alleviate menopausal symptoms and provide an effective protection against the postmenopausal decrease of bone mineral density.

As recommendations continue to emphasise the importance of using HRT at the lowest effective dose, it is reassuring to learn that even very low doses provide bone protection as well as good control of symptoms, allowing women to enjoy benefits of HRT with less side effects.

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