In either case, without estrogen's protective effect, many women experience rapid bone loss, which may lead to osteoporosis. Bone Loss and Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a debilitating and often painful disease that affects millions of women. In fact, one out of two women is at risk of developing osteoporosis during her lifetime. Osteoporosis is characterized by thinning of bone tissue which can facilitate fractures. The disease may not produce any symptoms or warning signs until actual bone fractures occur.
Most bone is lost in the first three to six years after menopause.
However, women of all ages should know about their risk for osteoporosis and what they can do to help prevent or delay its onset. Estrogen replacement therapy Women who are entering menopause need to talk to their doctors about estrogen and bone loss. ERT makes up for, or replaces, the estrogen no longer produced by the ovaries. ERT is effective in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis because the estrogen supplied by ERT continues to protect your bones much like natural estrogen did before menopause or surgery. ERT may also provide protection against heart disease and can minimize some of the symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes.