Post-menopausal estrogen replacement: the prevention of osteoporosis and systemic effects.

The long-term effects of estrogen replacements in post-menopausal women were assessed in 61 estrogen-treated and 63 control subjects followed prospectively for 3-16 yr (mean 8.6 yr). A loss of height of 1.3 cm (1/2") or more developed with twice the frequency among control as among estrogen-replaced subjects, with the major difference appearing after 65 yr of age. However, estrogen replacement was not an absolute protection against height loss, especially after 70 yr of age. Myocardial infarctions and abnormal electrocardiograms were significantly reduced among the estrogen-replaced compared to the control subjects, but further observations are needed. Long-term estrogen replacement in post-menopausal women reduces the development of spinal osteoporosis and may reduce the development of ischemic heart disease.