Osteoporosis and ERT--The Jury is Still Out

Bone loss in women accelerates immediately after menopause, often leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures. In 1985,247,000 hip fractures occurred in people over 45 years of age. Among those who live to be 90, one-third of women and one-sixth of men will experience hip fractures. Six months after fracture, 25% of victims will not be able to carry out their usual activities, and 50% will need assistance to do so. Hip fractures are not only a serious cause of morbidity but they also increase the risk of mortality in older people. Because the proportion of the population over 65 will increase steadily, from 11% in 1981 to 22% in 2050, the estimated number of hip fractures will triple by the year 2050