Some women sail through menopause, but many others struggle with the accompanying hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and osteoporosis, or weakening of bones.
And while half the population goes through it, many women are still reluctant to use a common treatment that can provide relief from these symptoms.
But new research suggests this vital therapy could significantly improve bone density — a crucial health factor for aging women.
While once used routinely, increased concerns of breast and ovarian cancer caused many menopausal women to avoid hormone replacement therapy (HRT.)
Later studies have shown the benefits outweigh the risks, including recent research on the effects of HRT on bone health.
Presented Sunday at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, a study found that women on hormonal therapy have a decreased risk of low bone mineral density compared to those not using it.
Of 387 postmenopausal women who underwent DEXA scans to measure bone density between 2021 and 2025, 33% used hormonal therapy, while the other 67% did not.
Those taking HRT had a 69% less risk of low bone mineral density in their spine and hip, two areas where older women frequently experience fractures.
Those who don’t use hormonal therapy have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to more fractures or breaks and disability.
“This study revisits that narrative and shows that menopausal hormone therapy may have an important added benefit: protecting bone health,” lead study author Diego Espinoza-Peralta, vice president of the Mexican Society of Nutrition and Endocrinology, said in a press release.
“That shifts the conversation from ‘avoid if possible’ to ‘reconsider in the right patient’,” he added.
The findings were the same even after researchers took into account the age of participants, how long they’d been in menopause, vitamin D levels, smoking and other health conditions.
“In simple terms: menopausal hormone therapy appears to independently protect bones, not just by coincidence,” Espinoza-Peralta said.
While the findings are a boon to supporting the use of HRT, they’re not completely unexpected, as older research found that therapy users had a 34% reduction in hip fractures and an overall 30% reduction in fractures.
Despite the bone benefits, many doctors are still split on prescribing this type of treatment to menopausal women, as it may be great for some, but not all.
Although not a magic bullet, HRT can provide relief for several symptoms, easing joint pain and improving sleep and hot flashes.
However, it also brings a very real risk of cancer, as the Menopause Society says women can use estrogen therapy for seven years and estrogen-progestogen therapy for three to five years before the risk increases.
The research team behind the study, though, still believe their findings could offer older women relief and protection from bone loss.
“Clinicians may begin to weigh its benefits more carefully, especially in women early after menopause, potentially improving long-term health and quality of life,” Espinoza-Peralta said.
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