Hormone Therapy’s Impact on Women’s Health During Menopause
Some women glide through menopause, while others face a challenging mix of hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and a decline in bone density, known as osteoporosis.
Even though menopause affects a large segment of the population, many women hesitate to embrace a prevalent treatment that could ease these symptoms.
Recent research indicates that this key therapy might significantly enhance bone density, which is particularly important as women age.
Once a standard recommendation, many menopausal women are now wary of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to rising concerns about the potential for breast and ovarian cancer.
However, later studies have shown that the benefits can outweigh the associated risks, including new findings regarding HRT’s influence on bone health.
At the recent ENDO 2026 meeting in Chicago, a study revealed that women receiving hormonal therapy exhibit a lower risk of developing low bone mineral density compared to those who don’t.
Among 387 postmenopausal women who had DEXA scans for bone density from 2021 to 2025, 33% were on hormonal therapy, while the remaining 67% were not.
Women who used HRT had a 69% decreased risk of low bone mineral density in critical areas like the spine and hip—regions where older women commonly suffer fractures.
On the other hand, those who forgo hormonal therapy face a higher risk of osteoporosis, which may lead to more severe fractures and long-term disability.
“This study revisits that narrative and shows that menopausal hormone therapy may have an important added benefit: protecting bone health,” noted Diego Espinoza-Peralta, the study’s lead author, in a press release.
He added, “That shifts the conversation from ‘avoid if possible’ to ‘reconsider in the right patient’.”
The conclusions remained consistent even after factoring in age, menopause duration, vitamin D levels, smoking habits, and other health conditions.
In straightforward terms, Espinoza-Peralta mentioned, “Menopausal hormone therapy seems to provide independent protection for bones, and that’s not just by chance.”
While these findings lend strong support for HRT, they’re not entirely surprising. Prior studies had already identified a 34% reduction in hip fractures among therapy users, alongside an overall 30% drop in fractures.
Despite the positive findings regarding bone health, some doctors still remain divided on prescribing HRT, as its effectiveness can vary widely from one individual to another.
Although it’s not a cure-all, HRT can alleviate various symptoms, such as joint pain and sleep disturbances, and reduce hot flashes.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risk of cancer; the Menopause Society suggests that women can safely use estrogen therapy for up to seven years, but estrogen-progestogen therapy for three to five years before risks start to elevate.
The research team believes their findings could provide valuable insights for older women, potentially offering both relief and protection against bone loss.
“Clinicians may begin to weigh its benefits more carefully, especially in women early after menopause, potentially improving long-term health and quality of life,” concluded Espinoza-Peralta.
