Estrogen replacement therapy: a possible mode of combating the effects of renal osteodystrophy?

Because of the complications of renal osteodystropy, female patients with end-stage renal disease have difficulty maintaining bone health. Smaller, less dense bones puts this patient population at risk for increased bone loss and fractures. For years, estrogen replacement therapy has been used as an effective form of treatment in women suffering from bone loss related to osteoporosis. More recent research has focused on the effects of estrogen therapy in combination with other supplements such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, calcitonin, and soy. Unfortunately, the role of estrogen replacement therapy in the female end-stage renal disease patients has not been fully explored. Research in these areas may provide valuable information to practitioners looking for another means to combat renal bone disease.