Oophorectomy is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.[28] [29] [30] [31] [32] A potential risk for oophorectomy performed after menopause is not fully elucidated.[33][34] Reduced levels of testosterone in women is predictive of height loss, which may occur as a result of reduced bone density.[35] In women under the age of 50 who have undergone oophorectomy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to offset the negative effects of sudden hormonal loss (for example early-onset osteoporosis) as well as menopausal problems like hot flushes (also called "hot flashes") that are usually more severe than those experienced by women undergoing natural menopause.