Evaluation of the applicability of HRT as a preservative of muscle strength in women

• Published in: Maturitas 2000-07, Vol.36 (1), p.49-61
• Main Authors: Meeuwsen, Ingrid B, Samson, Monique M, Verhaar, Harald J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging - drug effects; Aging - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Hormones. Endocrine system; Humans; Medical sciences; Menopause; Menopause - drug effects; Menopause - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - drug effects; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Ovariectomy; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Review; Skeletal muscle; Strength
• ISSN: 0378-5122; 1873-4111
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-5122(00)00132-8

Objectives: To review the studies that have been undertaken on the effects of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT); especially oestrogen (+progestin) regimens on the preservation of muscle strength. Current knowledge of the mechanisms and actions of steroid- and sex hormones on skeletal muscle tissue will be used in an attempt to clarify the mechanism of action of a possible effect. The objective is to arrive at an agreement on whether or not postmenopausal oestrogen administration has a positive influence on skeletal muscle tissue. Methods: Peer-reviewed publications were assessed. Results: An age-related decrement in muscle strength can be found in both men and women. However, in women, an extra decline can be observed around the time of menopause. A possible relationship between the additional diminution in muscle strength and altered hormone concentrations after the onset of menopause has been suggested. Since women nowadays spend one-third of their life postmenopausal, it is extremely important to keep the decline in muscle mass as small as possible. Besides the continuation of a physically active lifestyle, HRT was suggested to serve as a protective mechanism. Although, the usefulness of HRT as a preservative of muscle strength appeared controversial. Conclusions: Skeletal muscle strength is sensitive to training up to a high age, though continuation of physical activity does not appear to protect skeletal muscles completely from age-related decrements. Therefore, the development of another preventive method would be useful. Considering the present knowledge it has all the hallmarks that HRT can be a useful tool in the maintenance of muscle strength in postmenopausal women. None the less, further research is necessary to endorse this theory.