[Estrogen substitution in the postmenopause--effect and compliance].

At least one of four women will suffer from osteoporosis with fractures of vertebrae, forearm or hip. Maintenance of bone mass is a crucial argument for long-term estrogen replacement for prophylaxis of osteoporosis. 2 mg estradiol or 0.625 mg conjugated estrogens orally or 50 to 100 micrograms estradiol percutaneously are equally sufficient for prevention of osteoporosis. The additional use of a progestogen in women with intact uterus may support the antiresorptive effects of estrogens. Improvement of patients' compliance-administered today by only 25% of postmenopausal women in Germany through sufficient information upon estrogen replacement therapy provided by the medical community is a rewarding task for physicians and scientists engaged in the field of menopause and prevention of osteoporosis.