Comparison 1. Chinese herbal medicines versus placebo.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 New fractures	1	104	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.05 [0.00, 0.85]
1.1 Kanggusong capsule versus placebo (12 months)	1	104	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.05 [0.00, 0.85]
2 Bone mineral density (BMD)	3		Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
2.1 Migu decoction versus placebo (BMD of lumbar spine, 4 months)	1	20	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.16 [0.06, 0.26]
2.2 Kanggusong capsule versus placebo (BMD of lumbar spine, 12 months)	1	140	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.06 [0.02, 0.10]
2.3 Bushen Yigu soft extract versus placebo (BMD of radius, 3 months)	1	59	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.06 [0.03, 0.09]
2.4 Bushen Yigu soft extract versus placebo (BMD of ulna, 3 months)	1	59	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.06 [0.02, 0.10]
3 Oestradiol (E2)	1		Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
3.1 Bushen Yigu soft extract versus placebo (3 months)	1	59	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	122.89 [92.97, 152.81]
4 Symptoms including pain, muscle fatigue and limited mobility	1	104	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.20 [1.05, 1.37]
4.1 Kanggusong capsule versus placebo (Bone pain at lumbar spine, 12 months)	1	104	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.20 [1.05, 1.37]