Early postmenopausal hormone therapy improves postural balance.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Reproductive Endocrinology
• Biomedical Science and Clinical Research

Background:

• Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) is associated with reduced hip fracture risk, with timing of initiation being crucial.
• The impact of HT on postural balance, a key factor in fall prevention, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of postmenopausal HT on postural balance in women.
• To assess how the time since menopause influences HT's impact on postural balance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 91 postmenopausal women.
• Postural balance was measured using sway velocity on a force platform over 6 months of HT.
• Participants received either sequential estradiol-norethisterone acetate or placebo for 3 months, followed by open-label HT.

Main Results:

• HT significantly improved sway velocity by 7.0% after 3 months (P = 0.007) and 12% after 6 months (P < 0.0001).
• Improvements in sway velocity were more pronounced with closer proximity to menopause and higher estradiol levels (P = 0.018).
• HT also led to significant improvements in dizziness (P = 0.016).

Conclusions:

• Early initiation of HT postmenopause rapidly enhances postural balance to levels seen in younger women.
• Improved postural balance may contribute to HT's fracture protection, explaining greater benefits when initiated sooner.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings on HT, balance, and fracture risk.