Study suggests hormone therapy may help protect bone health in women

After decades of a brief period on and then no hrt I began bhrt at 76 (menopause at 38.
I had to get it through a functional medicine provider.
She started me on .025 estradiol transdermal patch now up to .0375, testosterone., 100 progesterone and vaginal estradiol cream.
I had finally done my own research and
examination of the flawed women's health initiative study and was appalled by the impact of bad science on at least one generation of women. The grief of realizing how little money was being used for research on women's health and how my own health issues.... osteoporosis,high blood pressure, lack of energy, vaginal atrophy and loss of libido..to name a few... probably would have been positively effected by having had continued hormone replacement.....
Anger, sadness, grief yes.
I am a quality vs quantity kind of woman when it came to this decision. And increased quality is what I am getting. I am thrilled that I have my libido back, have more energy and mental clarity and can anticipate that bhrt will be helpful in managing my osteoporosis.
Each woman must make her own decision but do the research, read the current information, challenge provider's position.....by that I mean what research informs their treatment plan for you.

Among the many ironies of the old dictum is that
bio-identical estrogen is actually protective for breast cancer... my dose has just doubled - I'm 86 - for help with osteoporosis and I already am thinking more clearly, having more energy, plus an additional feeling of well-being. One recent day I realized I was feeling exactly like my old self in my late 60s, which was quite astonishing.

Thank you for sharing this important information. I opted to go on HRT after I completed 2 years of Forteo . After much reading and careful consideration, I felt it was the best and most natural option for me and my bones. I was about 10 years out of menopause which was not optimal but none of our options really are. It's been about 3 years and I've mostly maintained my density.
The issues of concern with HRT were raised in the Women's Health Initiative Study which turned out to be a somewhat flawed study and the negative results were exaggerated and overblown by the media causing a steep decline in usage. More recently, it is coming full circle and more and more, HRT is being considered a viable option for women to preserve their bones and ease menopausal symptoms. If you have had breast cancer or CVD or have a genetic risk, I can understand not wanting to utilize this option but if those predispositions are not present, I think it's a viable option. I'm really glad I'm on it (along with progesterone which is necessary since I have a uterus). I only wish I had gone on it earlier as my naturopath had suggested about 10 years ago. I was too afraid and wanted to get through menopause naturally. Had I listened to her, I would likely still have a healthy spine and better quality of life.
I'd love to know if others are on HRT and at what dose. I currently use the lowest dose of .025 estradiol transdermal patch and 100 mg progesterone (which seems to be the agreed upon dosage of progesterone to counter risks). I'm considering increasing my estradiol with the hopes of greater preservation. Anyone on HRT? What dose and method are you using?

Among the many ironies of the old dictum is that
bio-identical estrogen is actually protective for breast cancer... my dose has just doubled - I'm 86 - for help with osteoporosis and I already am thinking more clearly, having more energy, plus an additional feeling of well-being. One recent day I realized I was feeling exactly like my old self in my late 60s, which was quite astonishing.

I also did two years of Forteo and then Raloxafine for 5 years as maintenance. Now back on Forteo. Can you tell me what kind of HRT you are taking and dose? I would really appreciate that, as I don't want to push my luck with Forteo (as in extending past the recommended 24 months). Hoping to do only a year at the most, if bone density shows improvement. Trying to get approval for Evenity after Forteo, but nervous about that also. Thank you : )

Very encouraging ! Can you share dose and brand name that you take? Than you : )

I was on transdermal estradiol at .025 which seemed to maintain my density for 5-6 years. I just recently increased my dose to .05 which I'm hoping will provide additional protection along with using weights 2-3 x week, 20 minutes of core and back lifts daily, dancing 3 x week, walking almost daily and of course, a stellar diet! Gosh, we sure do have to work hard at this!

That's pretty amazing! Good for you! My bone density is -3.5 and after a series of 13 spinal compression fractures, I have a fear of fracture risk with weights. I do use 5 pound weights while walking on a treadmill 30 minutes in the evening, in addition to 30 minutes trail walking earlier in the day. Grand children keep me busy as well. It is so important to stay active for sure. I am 67 so figure I need to keep ahead of this and really appreciate all the info shared on this site. Thank you!

How long did it take to recover from fractures. I was diagnosed with thoracic fracture and in much 😢