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Hormone therapy and risk of non-vertebral fracture: Geelong Osteoporosis Study

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Abstract

In this population-based study, we evaluated the association between exposure to hormone therapy (HT), bone mineral density (BMD) and the prevalence of non-vertebral fractures. The study was set in a region located in southeastern Australia where complete fracture ascertainment was determined from radiological reports. Current HT use for at least 6 months was ascertained in women with non-vertebral fractures [median age 70.9 years; inter-quartile range (IQR) 66.5–75.9 years] and randomly selected controls (median age 70.8 years; IQR 65.2–75.0 years). Current HT use was documented in 20 of 262 cases and 49 of 364 controls. The odds ratio (OR) for non-vertebral fracture associated with HT use was 0.53 (95% CI 0.31–0.92). HT use was associated with 2.6–7.5% higher BMD at axial and appendicular sites. HT use is associated with a halving of risk for non-vertebral fractures and higher BMD.

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Acknowledgements

The study was funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation and the Geelong Region Medical Research Foundation.

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Correspondence to Julie A. Pasco.

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Pasco, J.A., Kotowicz, M.A., Henry, M.J. et al. Hormone therapy and risk of non-vertebral fracture: Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Osteoporos Int 15, 434–438 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-003-1574-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-003-1574-1

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