10.2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What factors influence the effects of HRT?
Factors include dosage, duration, timing of initiation relative to hormone deprivation, type of hormone (natural vs. synthetic), route of administration, and co-administration with other hormones.
- How do sex steroids exert their effects in HRT?
They bind to both nuclear and membrane receptors, triggering slow genomic and fast non-genomic signaling that modulates target tissue functions.
- What bone health benefits does HRT offer in postmenopausal women?
HRT reduces bone resorption, improves bone mineral density, and lowers fracture risk—especially for hip and vertebral fractures.
- How does HRT benefit muscle health in hormone-deprived populations?
In postmenopausal women, HRT may help preserve muscle strength; in androgen-deprived men, testosterone replacement increases lean mass and improves strength.
- What impact does HRT have on osteoarthritis management?
HRT may reduce joint pain and stiffness and could slow osteoarthritis progression, although outcomes can be variable.
- How do age and timing affect HRT outcomes?
Starting HRT near menopause (before age 60) yields better benefits for bone and muscle health, while later initiation may increase risks like stroke or thromboembolism.
- How does the route of administration influence HRT effects?
Oral HRT undergoes first-pass liver metabolism, which can raise clotting risks; transdermal delivery bypasses the liver and may have fewer systemic side effects.
- Why is early initiation of HRT important?
Early treatment preserves tissue integrity before significant hormone deprivation–induced changes occur, leading to improved outcomes.
- What clinical outcomes demonstrate HRT’s benefits on bone health?
Studies show reduced incidence of hip and vertebral fractures and improved bone mineral density, with hazard ratios favoring HRT in early postmenopausal women.
- What challenges remain in optimizing HRT?
Balancing benefits with risks (such as cardiovascular events and cancers) and tailoring treatment—dose, duration, and hormone combinations—to individual patient profiles.
