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HRT prevents osteoarthritis

Users of oestrogen replacement therapy have more knee cartilage than non-users 2001;60:332-6

Long term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) seems to protect women from osteoarthritis of the knee, finds a study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It most often occurs in hip and knee joints, where loss of the tissue which prevents joint friction¾cartilage¾exposes the bone underneath. Osteoarthritis is more common in women than in men.

Eighty one women took part in the study. All were over 50 and postmenopausal. Forty two of the women had used HRT for five years or more; 39 had never used it. Imaging was used to measure the amount of cartilage remaining in the knee joints.

After accounting for bone size, smoking, exercise, weight and age at menopause, all factors influencing cartilage volume, the researchers found a significant difference between users and non-users of HRT. Cartilage volume was almost 8 per cent greater in women who had been using HRT for five years or more.

The authors conclude that HRT may protect against the development of osteoarthritis by preserving the knee cartilage. Previous research shows that oestrogen receptors are present in normal joints, suggesting that depletion of the hormone may affect the normal working of the joint.

Contact:

Professor Flavia Cicuttini, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

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