Is estrogen a useful treatment for women in their seventies or older?
Studies show that women who take estrogen for at least seven years between the onset of menopause and the age of 75 have a 50 percent reduction in risk of fractures. However, after age 75, the risk is about the same as for those who did not take estrogen at all. In the 75 years and older group, bone mass only differs by about two percent between women who have take estrogen for 10 years and those who have never taken it. Before beginning ERT, the benefits and consequences of the treatment should be weighed and discussed thoroughly with a health care provider.
