A new cross-sectional analysis, coupled with research published last week in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, indicates that hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) can improve both bone-mineral density and bone mass/structure, with benefits that have the potential to continue up to two years after the discontinuation of treatment.

HRT is a form of therapy during which a patient receives hormones, for the purpose of supplementing a lack of naturally occurring hormones, or in order to substitute other hormones for naturally occurring hormones. Its use has been consistently studied and assessed in observational studies, case-control studies, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials; its applications have gradually expanded and been implemented.

Ample evidence and research further suggests that HRT is an effective first-line treatment for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis due to its anti-fracture efficacy, primarily among young postmenopausal women—and can be continued for up to a decade. These findings are specifically significant because of the inherent downfalls of current drugs and pharmaceuticals, which have demonstrated less than optimal effects on bone microarchitecture.