For many years, estrogen replacement therapy has been used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Estrogen slows bone loss and the progression of osteoporosis.
Many doctors now feel that estrogen should not be given casually, particualrly to women with a family history of breast cancer. Adequate calcium intake is a must for postmenopausal women. One gram to 1.5 grams daily is suggested. However, the age-dependent reduction in skeletal bone mass that begins in the thirties cannot be completely stopped by adequate calcium intake alone. Progesterone Rebuilds Loss of bone density is generally related to an age- dependent decrease in gonadal hormones.