Hormone therapy may help reduce curvature of spine in women

Hyperkyphosis, sometimes called dowager’s hump, is an exaggerated curvature of the spine that creates a forward stooped posture.

Beyond its adverse aesthetic effects, hyperkyphosis is associated with poor physical function, an increased risk of falls and fractures, and earlier mortality.

Women who reported continuous or remote past hormone therapy use had less pronounced kyphosis by the time they were in their mid-80s than never-users.

The results support the argument for hormone therapy as a possible early post-menopause treatment for women concerned about their posture and fracture risk, the researchers said. 

It is well known that the significant declines in estrogen experienced during the menopause transition contribute to accelerated bone loss. Hormone therapy has been known to help reverse bone loss and prevent fractures. 

Given that hyperkyphosis is also associated with bone loss and vertebral fractures, the researchers hypothesised that hormone therapy may also be effective in helping prevent exaggerated spine curvature.

The team involved more than 9,700 women aged 65 years and older who were evaluated over a 15-year period. 

During the first three years of hormone therapy use, bone density has been shown to increase steadily and then is maintained during continued use.(IANS)