The protective influence of estrogens on bone mass is a well-known fact. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) takes a great part in prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The aim of our research is to examine the bone mineral density (BMD) during one year of HRT in different menopausal stages. The study includes 62 women (41-77 years old) divided into three groups accordiong to the duration of postmenopause. BMD of lumbar spine was measured by DPX before treatment and one year later. Our results show significantly higher BMD values after treatment in all groups (p<0.01). Women whose postmenopause lasted longer (more than 5 years) have relatively greater BMD increase (5%) to HRT than those women whose postmenopause lasted shorter than five years (4%). We conclude that efficacy of HRT is always beneficial whenever we started with it. Benefit is even greater in older age if BMD is lower.

Kliničke medicinske znanosti