My doctor said that estrogen replacement can cause back problems after menopause. I’m fairly healthy. I exercise and don’t smoke. I don’t have arthritis or any other health problems. Am I still at risk for back pain?

Even if you’re in good health, estrogen replacement still puts you at a slightly higher risk for back problems.

A recent study looked at back problems in 7,209 white women over age 65. Women on ERT were generally healthier than those who had never used estrogen. They also had fewer vertebral fractures. Nevertheless, 53 percent of women on ERT reported back pain in the previous year, as opposed to 43 percent of those who had never used ERT. Twelve percent of women using ERT said their back pain made daily activities difficult. This was true for only nine percent of women who had never used estrogen.

The link between estrogen replacement and back pain was independent of women’s age, weight, pregnancy, arthritis, or diabetes. It also had nothing to do with smoking or exercise habits.

Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest ways to keep your back healthy while you’re on ERT.