The Menopause

Many women who are menopausal or are approaching the menopause are concerned about the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). One of the main reasons to initiate HRT at the menopause is to protect against loss of bone mass. During the menopause bone loss accelerates at 3-6 times the normal rate, due to the loss of oestrogen and the effects of this on bone remodelling.

Some women experience an abnormal loss of oestrogen and this is the main cause of Type 1 Osteoporosis.

An osteoporosis risk assessment can give you an informed choice about the best decision at this critical time in your life. Measurement of bone mineral density can provide vital information to you and your GP, as to the necessity or not of the use of HRT or OTHER FORMS OF OESTROGEN REPLACEMENT.

Another type of medication, which can be prescribed by your GP, is called RALAXOFINE (brand name "EVISTA") WHICH WILL PROTECT YOUR BONE HEALTH WITHOUT DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE BREAST, ENDOMETRIUM OR OVARIES.

Using the same scanner as used by Guy's Hospital research department, we can predict the age at which you will reach the fracture threshold, with or without HRT or other forms of oestrogen simulation therapy.