Anyone try bioidentical hormones to combat/treat osteoporosis?

Yes, I have had great results with bone density and it certainly benefits you . Also, I had a heart attack and my cardiologist insisted I take it to protect my heart the body identical HRT is very very safe. I began it after never having it since my 20s after a total hysterectomy and I would never ever give it up.

I regret discontinuing bioidentical HRT about a year or so around menopause. Insurance did not cover it and I did not fully investigate the longterm benefits of supplementation.

Fast forward about 15 years (so I was well past 60!), and I was duagnosed with osteoporosis of the spine. My hip and femur scores were hurtling toward OP as well. My integrative gynecologist wrinkled her nose when told my other docs wanted to start me on OP drugs. She said bioidentical HRT could help me instead.

I started bioidentical HRT as part of an overall diet, supplement and exercise makeover. As discussed in other posts on this site, I was able to reverse my osteoporosis in under a year and a half! I cannot say for sure that HRT alone can get the job done —but if you are amenable to it, I think bioidentical HRT is an important and effective aid in the prevention and treatment of OP.

I have been facing a similar decision and after a fair amount of research I have decided to go on a "patch" form of HRT with a Progesterone pill. I also do other things for my bone health: improved protein intake; weight training 4x weekly; jumping; improved gut health. From my research, improvement can happen but it takes effort in multiple areas. I am 59 so although I do have a strong family history of heart disease or stroke, my understanding is that HRT can be beneficial in that regard in my age group. I am also petite (5"1") and my understanding is that DXA can over-diagnose petite women. I have been following the work of Dr. Doug Lukas (online) and although I was skeptical at first I joined his online program for $35/mo. which truly provides a wealth of information. Since he promotes certain products I do take the information with a grain of salt and look at other research as well.

I am restarting Bioidentical Hrt (topically) at 67. I took them from 47 -58.
Now that I've started everyone (docs) are very supportive.
You'll need to do all the reading first to determine if it is right for you. It was for me at this juncture.
You need to have labs done for baseline.
It would help if you had genetic testing to be sure you don't have risks of developing estrogen cancers.
I feel that having progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone all - is a must.
It's a pain in the butt again, but it's well worth it to build bone density and grow muscle again. Not to mention my waistline slimmed out over only a couple weeks and I look a lot less "maternal" and dried out!
I learned of the opportunity to do this again from this group. (so grateful!)
I am doing it as a supplement to my Tymlos/Reclast protocol.
It took me a bit to find a GREAT doc outside my health care system.
My conventional doc agreed to order the labs. My progesterone is covered and I will be applying to Medicare to cover the Bio-HRT. I called them and they said to do it.
My changes started fairly immediately. I have more stamina.
Men look interesting again! 😉

Hi everyone! I hope you can all see my post. Life is racing by for me. I wanted to tell @mayblin and @gently my numbers were good on the CTX and P1NP. My Dexa with the Trabecular score was good, too! Wendy had indicated that the TBS wouldn't be applicable because I don't have hip bones, but it is. The whole point of the TBS is that the software analyzes - and extrapolates to give you the hip bone score.
All the information indicates I am "textbook" reacting positive to the Reclast (which almost killed me! ugh!) and the Tymlos (which I am now adjusted to).
In addition - I restarted Bio-Identical topical HRT last week! It was bizarre the way that suddenly fell into place! Found the doctor. Saw him the next day. Got the labs the following day and restarted the BHRT the day after that! It was so crazy the way it fell into place.
No one can help you with the dosages @andreamayo because you have to take baseline labs and your doctor will start you on what is advisable. My experience at 47 and needs are different at 67. You'll know if its right from how you feel.
I didn't like the idea of the pellets myself. Too much handholding and expensive testing. The doctors were more expensive, too. I like the idea of controlling the medicine dosage myself.
I felt great immediately. That and in combination with tart cherry supplements - which reduced my UNDIAGNOSED gouty arthritis (!!!) is changing my life dramatically.
Couldn't have done any of this without you guys (gals!) thank you so much!!!
(p.s. i had eyelid muscle tuck surgery monday so I have been busy with that and missed you all!)

I know I can check in with my gynecologist once I get an appointment about this but I'd like to know what labs you are getting before starting HRT. Had I not read Great Bones and been on this website, I would not have known to ask my endocrinologist for my baseline CTX and recently the follow-up one. I HOPE my gynecologist knows what to look for but would love to hear from you all what labs you had checking for what. Thanks!

I'm so happy for you. I've been on the BHRT for about a month. I have experienced breast tenderness and bloating (like the old days - ugh). I understand it takes a while for the body to adjust to these new hormone levels. I am on the same combination that you are.

No breast tenderness - if you are on the correct dosage (I would think). I only used to get that when I was on regular hormones. On the BHRT they dial it down so there should be none of that. I didn't have to adjust much. I am on:
100 progesterone which I make last 3 or 4 times,
Testosterone 2mg/gm gel and
1 mg/gm estradiol, if that helps.
Maybe you can ask your doctor to dial it down.
I hope you did your base lines and have a doctor to contact.

She said she started me out low to avoid side effects. However, I go back for blood work and an appointment with my doctor the middle of October.

Thank you.

the doctor will determine what baseline labs they want and may be different depending on doctor and insurance. Also different if you are not through menopause (there are many more),
but basically - all of your hormones and free hormones and something called DHEA sulfate were asked of me. Also, I recently had metabolic panels run, so he asked for those too.