Question 182 of 433
Do hormone therapy and other treatments help bone?
The short answer
Menopause hormone therapy prevents bone loss and reduces fractures in appropriate women. Testosterone for male deficiency can improve bone density, but that does not establish fewer fractures.
Estrogen’s bone benefit can be relevant when a woman is choosing treatment for menopausal symptoms or has another appropriate indication. Treatment selection still depends on the whole benefit–risk profile. Bone protection wanes after stopping, so reassess fracture risk and follow-up care.
In men, investigate causes of low bone density rather than assuming testosterone is the answer. The TRAVERSE fracture findings did not show protection and raised concern about more fractures. A man at high fracture risk may need an osteoporosis treatment with evidence for that outcome, whether or not testosterone is indicated for other symptoms.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS for menopausal estrogen and fracture reduction; testosterone density gains do not establish fracture reduction.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 13, Q182 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.