A general practice trial of health education advice and HRT to prevent bone loss

Abstract

Seventy-four women were randomised to a two-year prospective study comparing advice and written information on diet and exercise with similar advice and information supplemented by hormone replacement therapy. Both groups were given a menopausal questionnaire and had bone mineral density measured at entry and after two years on treatment. Patients taking HRT were significantly less likely to complain of anxiety, vaginal dryness and hot flushes but singificantly more likely to complain of weight gain. There was a 20 per cent increase in bone mineral density within the HRT group after two years treatment and althouth clinically significant this just failed to reach statistical significance.