Menopause and osteoporosis: the role of HRT.

Bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency is the leading cause of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Oral and transdermal estrogen can prevent osteoporosis. For most women, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweigh any risks that exist. The recurrence of vaginal bleeding is the most common reason that women discontinue HRT.