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New study reveals risks of bone fractures after stopping HRT

Women no longer have fracture protection after discontinuing hormone replacement therapy, a study finds.

July 23, 2025 at 07:02 PM
blur The bone fracture risk for women who stop taking HRT, revealed by experts

A recent study outlines the increased risk of bone fractures in women after they stop hormone replacement therapy.

New research highlights bone fracture risks after discontinuing HRT

Recent research indicates that women experience a significant loss of bone protection after they stop hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The study analyzed data from 6 million women across 2,000 GP surgeries in the UK over a period of up to 25 years. Findings revealed that while HRT reduces the risk of fractures during use, this benefit diminishes entirely within a year of discontinuation. After stopping HRT, women face a heightened risk of fractures compared to those who never used the therapy, peaking around three years before gradually returning to similar levels as non-users over about ten years. Experts stress the need for doctors to monitor bone health more closely for women who have recently stopped HRT, particularly if they have other risk factors.

Key Takeaways

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Stopping HRT leads to increased fracture risk in women.
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The protective effects of HRT diminish within a year of stopping treatment.
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Fracture risk peaks three years after discontinuation of HRT.
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Monitoring bone health is crucial after stopping HRT.
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Different types and durations of HRT impact fracture risk levels.
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Women may benefit from reduced fracture risk many years post-HRT cessation.

"For most women, the bone protective effect of MHT use disappears completely within about one year of treatment being stopped."

Dr. Yana Vinogradova highlights the rapid loss of bone protection after stopping MHT.

"This observed risk pattern was the same for all menopausal hormonal treatments."

The study confirms consistent results across different types of hormone treatments.

"Anticipating periods of increased risk might prompt doctors to check patients’ bone health at discontinuation."

Dr. Vinogradova suggests preventive measures for women discontinuing HRT.

"These novel findings may also usefully stimulate further clinical and biological research into these treatments."

The results of this study aim to push for additional research on women's health.

The implications of these findings are significant for women's health, especially during menopause when hormone levels fluctuate. While HRT has been a crucial tool in managing menopause symptoms and protecting against bone loss, this study highlights a complex reality. The transient rise in fracture risk following cessation of HRT could influence treatment decisions and necessitate more proactive healthcare measures. Doctors might need to balance the short-term risks of HRT discontinuation against its benefits, factoring in each woman's individual health landscape and potential long-term outcomes.

Highlights

  • Stopping HRT can increase bone fracture risk for women after one year.
  • A peak in fracture risk occurs approximately three years post-HRT cessation.
  • Monitoring bone health is vital for women who discontinue HRT.
  • Every woman deserves personalized care when considering HRT.

Heightened health risks associated with HRT discontinuation

Women face increased fracture risk after stopping HRT, prompting the need for careful monitoring.

Ongoing dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals is essential for optimal health outcomes.

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