1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Estradot bioidentical hormone therapy VS Compounded BHRT

Posted by andreamayo @andreamayo, Mar 31 12:32pm

Hi!
I am 56 years old, 5 years post menopausal and am considering bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) for the next 5 years for bone health.
My spine is -3.7. Hips - 2.4.
My Naturopath doctor has suggested Compounded BHRT and my MD is also open to prescribing BHRT (which would be Estradot I presume).
My question is how do I decide between Estradot, estradiol 17B BHRT from the package prescribed by an MD or Compounded BHRT.
Health benefit either way?
Is there a big cost difference? I'm in Vancouver, Canada.
I don't have a private medical plan so will be paying for the medication out of pocket either way.
Thanks in advance for any insight.

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

jenniferhope58 | @jenniferhope58 | Apr 1 9:11am

Another Canadian here! I am on compounded HRT and have been since 55 (currently 65). I was shocked to learn I had osteoporosis, even though I was on HRT. I can only tell you my personal experience - I have to get my blood checked every six months and they base my hormones on my blood work so it's tailored to me. I don't know if the patch is given as specific to your blood estrogen?

REPLY
2 replies
rgibson123 | @rgibson123 | Apr 1 12:03pm
In reply to @jenniferhope58 "Another Canadian here! I am on compounded HRT and have been since 55 (currently 65). I..." + (show)
@jenniferhope58

Another Canadian here! I am on compounded HRT and have been since 55 (currently 65). I was shocked to learn I had osteoporosis, even though I was on HRT. I can only tell you my personal experience - I have to get my blood checked every six months and they base my hormones on my blood work so it's tailored to me. I don't know if the patch is given as specific to your blood estrogen?

Jump to this post

Has the HRT made any difference with your DEXA scores?

REPLY
1 reply
jenniferhope58 | @jenniferhope58 | Apr 1 12:14pm
In reply to @rgibson123 "Has the HRT made any difference with your DEXA scores?" + (show)
@rgibson123

Has the HRT made any difference with your DEXA scores?

Jump to this post

- I was diagnosed at 64 with osteoporosis and had already been on HRT for 10 years- perhaps my numbers could have been worse if I hadn't been on HRT?

REPLY
rgibson123 | @rgibson123 | Apr 1 12:42pm

Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m hopeful that it will make a difference (or at least make a difference).

My next DEXA is supposed to be in September so we shall see

REPLY
3 replies
nme1985 | @nme1985 | Apr 2 9:38am
In reply to @rgibson123 "Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m..." + (show)
@rgibson123

Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m hopeful that it will make a difference (or at least make a difference).

My next DEXA is supposed to be in September so we shall see

Jump to this post

Hello. I have been on bioidentical hormones for 20 years. I am now 67. I have osteoporosis with 1.9- 2.8 numbers. They have improved with the hormones especially L1-4 at 1.9 one time 2.5. I just started with the testosterone, estradiol pellets. My doctor feels they will deliver a greater amount of hormone to my body. Everybody is different. Your blood has to be measured to see the level of hormone you need I also take compounded progesterone. I am hopeful this well, either improve my scores or keep them the same. I do not want to take osteo meds. Also vitamins and strength training. Pilates are helpful.

REPLY
2 replies
mayblin | @mayblin | Apr 2 11:33am
In reply to @rgibson123 "Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m..." + (show)
@rgibson123

Thank you! I already had the osteoporosis diagnosis when I started HRT fairly recently so I’m hopeful that it will make a difference (or at least make a difference).

My next DEXA is supposed to be in September so we shall see

Jump to this post

Hi @rgibson123 othee than Dexa, has your bone markers been checked before and during HRT?

REPLY
rgibson123 | @rgibson123 | Apr 2 11:52am

No, I have never had the bone markers checked.

REPLY
dooshie | @dooshie | Apr 2 11:55am
In reply to @nme1985 "Hello. I have been on bioidentical hormones for 20 years. I am now 67. I have..." + (show)
@nme1985

Hello. I have been on bioidentical hormones for 20 years. I am now 67. I have osteoporosis with 1.9- 2.8 numbers. They have improved with the hormones especially L1-4 at 1.9 one time 2.5. I just started with the testosterone, estradiol pellets. My doctor feels they will deliver a greater amount of hormone to my body. Everybody is different. Your blood has to be measured to see the level of hormone you need I also take compounded progesterone. I am hopeful this well, either improve my scores or keep them the same. I do not want to take osteo meds. Also vitamins and strength training. Pilates are helpful.

Jump to this post

Thank you for ur info. I have been on Tymlos injections since June of 22 and have to go off in a few months. My rheumatologist wants me on another med but my cardiologist believes I can benefit from bioidentical hormones because my levels are extremely low, pretty non-existent and is very educated on hormone replacement even for us over 70 gals. He says they will benefit my bones, heart, mood, hair loss, etc. I may give that a try so as not to go on another osteo med because the choices for continuing on a medication is not good. Ur numbers are great compared to mine…-4’s in my spine but just had an 11% increase in bone density so I’m pleased that the Tymlos is working. Praying the hormones will maintain or continue to help. 💕🌹

REPLY
2 replies
mayblin | @mayblin | Apr 2 12:17pm
In reply to @dooshie "Thank you for ur info. I have been on Tymlos injections since June of 22 and..." + (show)
@dooshie

Thank you for ur info. I have been on Tymlos injections since June of 22 and have to go off in a few months. My rheumatologist wants me on another med but my cardiologist believes I can benefit from bioidentical hormones because my levels are extremely low, pretty non-existent and is very educated on hormone replacement even for us over 70 gals. He says they will benefit my bones, heart, mood, hair loss, etc. I may give that a try so as not to go on another osteo med because the choices for continuing on a medication is not good. Ur numbers are great compared to mine…-4’s in my spine but just had an 11% increase in bone density so I’m pleased that the Tymlos is working. Praying the hormones will maintain or continue to help. 💕🌹

Jump to this post

Hi@dooshie, it’s good to know from a cardiologist’s point of view! Did your cardiologist think HRT has minimal cardiovascular effects to older women, aged 65 or 70 years old? Are you going to be checked for bone turnover markers?

Could you share your cardiologist’s views, or any updated information?

I’m in the same situation as you are in. Will go off forteo in a few months and am exploring HRT.

Thanks a lot for any input!

REPLY
1 reply
nme1985 | @nme1985 | Apr 2 1:11pm
In reply to @dooshie "Thank you for ur info. I have been on Tymlos injections since June of 22 and..." + (show)
@dooshie

Thank you for ur info. I have been on Tymlos injections since June of 22 and have to go off in a few months. My rheumatologist wants me on another med but my cardiologist believes I can benefit from bioidentical hormones because my levels are extremely low, pretty non-existent and is very educated on hormone replacement even for us over 70 gals. He says they will benefit my bones, heart, mood, hair loss, etc. I may give that a try so as not to go on another osteo med because the choices for continuing on a medication is not good. Ur numbers are great compared to mine…-4’s in my spine but just had an 11% increase in bone density so I’m pleased that the Tymlos is working. Praying the hormones will maintain or continue to help. 💕🌹

Jump to this post

Hurray for you! You will fell like a different person. If your levels are low this will give you a better quality of life. Good luck to you🙏

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.