Older Women's Fracture Prevention: the importance of bone formation

Women’s bone health is closely related to the ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone. We have known for decades that estrogen prevents bone loss (called resorption). Our current osteoporosis medicines primarily work like estrogen and prevent bone loss—that includes all the bisphosphonates and the antibody drug called Denosumab. But bone remodeling (or renovation) involves both removing the old bone (called resorption) and adding back new bone (called formation). These two parts of bone renovation are tightly linked together so something slowing bone loss will prevent new bone formation. 

We know that progesterone treatment decreases hot flushes and night sweats and also improves sleep. There is good evidence that progesterone also increases bone formation. It can be taken alone, without estrogen. 

Dr. Prior's recent presentation about women's bone health is to help women understand that adding progesterone to a standard osteoporosis medicine may both prevent osteoporosis and fractures, but also improve hot flushes and help sleep. To view this presentation please click here.