Friday, February 5, 2010

Bio-identical hormones improve bone density

A 2003 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA 290:1042-1048) studied whether hormone replacement at low doses would be effective at maintaining bone mineral density. Lower doses are desirable as higher doses are associated with more adverse events. Bio-identical hormones were used in this study (hormones that are an exact chemical match to human hormones).

This was a “gold standard” double-blind, placebo controlled trial done at an American university research center from 1998-2002, following 167 healthy women 65 years and older.

The bone mineral density of the hip, spine, wrist, and total body was measured annually for 3 years. Mean bone mineral density increased at all sites for participants taking low-dose bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT) compared with placebo . There were no statistically significant differences in breast tenderness, changes in uterine thickness, or annual mammographic results between women on BHRT and the placebo group. There were no reports of breast cancer during the study.

For more information visit http://www.signaturewellness.org

2 comments:

  1. What a great addition to the many other studies demonstrating the positive benefits of bio-idientical hormones.

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  2. It's amazing that there is such a well-researched treatment for improving bone density. I know that when women start getting older, osteoporosis is a big worry. Bioidentical hormones in low doses seems like a safe bet for healthier bones.

    Anita Mas

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