What Might Menopausal Hormone Therapy Have to Do with Knees?

Korean cross-sectional study found lower prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in HT users than in nonusers.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is more common in women than men, and its prevalence rises after menopause. Diverse evidence suggests that menopausal hormone therapy (HT) attenuates OA symptoms and may reduce OA incidence. Using 2009−2012 data from a nationally representative Korean cross-sectional study, investigators evaluated outcomes in 4766 women over 50 in whom x-ray imaging of the knee joint had been performed. Knee OA was defined based on reported symptoms and radiologic findings; HT users were defined based on use for ≥12 months. Four distinct regression models were adjusted for various parameters.

Compared with nonusers of HT, users had lower risk for knee OA (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.78). In each model, the OR for OA …

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

What Might Menopausal Hormone Therapy Have to Do with Knees?

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Reviewing Author