Transdermal HRT

Posted by vkmov @vkmov, Oct 19, 2023

Many studies have found that transdermal HRT protects and builds bone without all the horrific side effects of many first-line osteoporosis treatments. The patch bypasses the liver and thereby avoids the risks of breast cancer, strokes, etc. Has anyone explored this or discussed it with their doctors?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

kristie2 | @kristie2 | Feb 4 10:14am

In reply to @gravity3 "How many years post menopause are you?" + (show)

15 years . I have heard and read the contrary to being over 10 years and also the other side . So it comes down to who do you believe. I must admit I feel better and have more energy and my sex drive is back.

gravity3 | @gravity3 | Feb 4 11:09am

In reply to @kristie2 "15 years . I have heard and read the contrary to being over 10 years and..." + (show)

Great news!

justbunny | @justbunny | Feb 4 12:02pm

In reply to @pennykj "I am 71 and 16 years post menopause and am seriously considering HRT. I met with..." + (show)

How did it go? What did you end up deciding to do and how do you feel about that decision?
70 years old, 19 years post menopause

pennykj | @pennykj | Feb 4 12:21pm

In reply to @justbunny "How did it go? What did you end up deciding to do and how do you..." + (show)

Thanks for asking and I apologize for the long answer.

The osteoporosis specialist did not offer an opinion about HRT, but did say that she is on HRT (but she is in her 50s). The specialist suggested I speak to my gyn.. The specialist made a follouwup appointment for April 2024 and gave me a script for blood work and 24 hour urine to be completed 2 weeks prior to my appointment.

I saw my gyn, who I really like and respect. The gyn spent a lot of time listening to me and talking to me. She explained that blood clots are a risk for someone my age and for someone is more than 10 years post menopause. However, she said she would prescribe if I received clearance in writing from a cardiologist (which I am not sure I could get) and if I thought long and hard about the risks of blood clots versus the risks of broken bones. I have decided to delay my decision about HRT.

For now, I am being vigilant about what I am eating and how I am exercising with the hope my blood work in April will show an improvment in my CTX level (which was quite bad last May). I am avoiding alcohol, sugar, limiting gluten, eating Natto daily, and attempting to get most of my nutrients from food. I have tried to gain weight by eating a lot of healthy foods and I am up over 4 pounds, about which I am happy. I am lifting weights and increasing the weight slowly. I walk every day. I practice yoga every day. I am trying to get more sleep. I am using an online food diary (cronometer) to make sure I am getting enough calcium and magnesium and not too many oxalates. I use my Marodyne twice a day for 10 minutes each session. I am not sure what else I can do.

I plan to go to my April appointment with my "specialist," but if she insists on Prolia (which she has indicated), I will decline and either go to a functional medicine doctor or go to North Carolina for an appointment with Dr. Bush who uses REMS technology.

ans | @ans | Feb 5 7:42am

You all may want to tune in to a podcast that’s suppose to drop today hosted by Margie Bissinger, guest is Dr. Felice Gersh . An expert on Bio-Identicals. I have listened to Dr. Gersh speak a few times and she’s as knowledgeable, in my opinion , as any in this field. Was a pioneer in realizing and refuting the Women’s Health Initiative from 20 years ago and discussed the ins and outs of all of that. She did mention one should not use the pellet form. I only highlighted that as I saw someone on here was thinking of doing that. Do your research. She indicated that very few drs even consider using bio- identicals , but further, that those that do don’t really know how to manage it correctly. She stressed blood levels need to be taken, and only then through trial and test, trial and test , etc is the only way to understand what doses are good for you. Listen in to the podcast. Good luck!!

sallyj2 | @sallyj2 | Feb 5 9:01am

In reply to @gravity3 "How many years post menopause are you?" + (show)

I’m not the poster, but I’m 13 years post hysterectomy and five post oophotectomy. Cardiologist, oncologist, and Obgyn said hormones are fine for me, individual risks matter, estrogen can improve high Lp(a).

ans | @ans | Feb 6 6:43am

In reply to @ans "You all may want to tune in to a podcast that’s suppose to drop today hosted..." + (show)

Sorry , I didn’t see the podcast having been posted. I assumed it would be because Margie said she was doing a podcast with Dr , Gersh yesterday and asked her community to submit questions that I assumed that. It will drop eventually , keep your eyes peeled.

tsch | @tsch | Feb 6 7:04pm

In reply to @sallyj2 "I’m not the poster, but I’m 13 years post hysterectomy and five post oophotectomy. Cardiologist, oncologist,..." + (show)

I am 80, on HRT since age 50. Hysterectomy age 38. Transdermal patch at lowest dose for many years now and do not intend to stop ever. Lp(a) cannot be changed by estrogen.

kristie2 | @kristie2 | Feb 7 11:05am

In reply to @tsch "I am 80, on HRT since age 50. Hysterectomy age 38. Transdermal patch at lowest dose..." + (show)

My endocrinologist had a fit when she heard that I started BHRT . I feel so much better . They seem to base everything on old studies .

tsch | @tsch | Feb 7 11:16am

What is BHRT? My gyn docs have for years mentioned the issue of my being on HRT so long, but they always say it is ok to continue after the discussion. I have .025 twice a week patch, but use it for a week. I would not follow the old outdated research from WHI. It has been disproved.