Estrogen Can Dramatically Reduce Fracture Risk
Vertebral fracture frequency as a function of age among female patients in the Kaiser-Permanente population in San Francisco
Benefits and Risks of Estrogen
Benefits of Estrogen
- Controls symptoms of menopause (vasomotor symptoms and urogenital problems)
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Decreases risk of cardiovascular disease
Risks of Estrogen
- Increases risk of endometrial cancer if used without a progestational agent
- Possible increased risk of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Risk and Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
What Are the Facts?
- Evidence for an association between postmenopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk is inconclusive
- Virtually all studies show no increased risk with short-term, current use (i.e., < 5 years) or past use
- Some studies show a slightly increased risk with long-term, current use (i.e., > 5 years