1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

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?

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drsuefowler | @drsuefowler | Jan 2 4:53pm
In reply to @teb "Thank you for those kind words. Happy to share as we're all in this darn big..." + (show)
@teb

Thank you for those kind words. Happy to share as we're all in this darn big boat together!
I'll be going for a Dexa in a couple of months and am going to try to get a REMS Echolight as well. With my increased HRT dose and increased weight training, it will be interesting to see if there has been any positive impact. That said, this is the first year I've lost significant height which concerns me. I was always surprised that in the many years since menopause, I had only lost 1/2" of height when friends without an osteoporosis diagnosis had easily lost 1-2". My osteoporosis caused scoliosis as of 15-20 years ago so perhaps that is finally catching up with me. I have a protocol of Scroth stretches that I am supposed to do daily but it often falls by the wayside between core exercises, walking, dancing and lifting weights.
New Year's resolution! I've got to get back to doing it daily as I think it is very helpful and I'd highly recommend to all whether you have scoliosis or not. Even just a basic hanging stretch is helpful. Really great for elongating the spine, putting a little breathing room between those vertebrae!

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@teb, I also have scoliosis. Can you describe Scroth stretches? I wasn't able to find a good definition online. Thanks

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1 reply
teb | @teb | Jan 2 5:20pm
In reply to @drsuefowler "@teb, I also have scoliosis. Can you describe Scroth stretches? I wasn't able to find a..." + (show)
@drsuefowler

@teb, I also have scoliosis. Can you describe Scroth stretches? I wasn't able to find a good definition online. Thanks

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It's best to try and find a practitioner in your area. The method uses breath and stretches to try and coax the spine into alignment. It's not a cure for scoliosis but it can have an impact in some cases, correct some of the curve or prevent it from getting worse. It takes diligence though! 30-40 minutes a day. There is a hanging stretch which I like most and there are also exercises with poles to push down on while sitting to elongate the spine. It is difficult to explain so it's really best and safest to have a certified Scroth practitioner work with you.
Here's a short clip about the hanging exercise:

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1 reply
drsuefowler | @drsuefowler | Jan 2 6:27pm
In reply to @teb "It's best to try and find a practitioner in your area. The method uses breath and..." + (show)
@teb

It's best to try and find a practitioner in your area. The method uses breath and stretches to try and coax the spine into alignment. It's not a cure for scoliosis but it can have an impact in some cases, correct some of the curve or prevent it from getting worse. It takes diligence though! 30-40 minutes a day. There is a hanging stretch which I like most and there are also exercises with poles to push down on while sitting to elongate the spine. It is difficult to explain so it's really best and safest to have a certified Scroth practitioner work with you.
Here's a short clip about the hanging exercise:

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Thanks @teb. This is very interesting. You are right, I shouldn't just try this by myself. I'll see if I can find a physical therapist who helps with this.

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 2 9:17pm
In reply to @wildapple50 "I don't remember the % of increase but my dr was happy and said there was..." + (show)
@wildapple50

I don't remember the % of increase but my dr was happy and said there was nothing further to do. I went through menopause at 42. I'm 74 now. I started out using hrt pills, but quit when the WHI scare came out. I didn't do anything for a few years, but then started using hrt creams. These didn't help. When I got on the estradiol patch my dr noticed the improvement. I will continue on with this.

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If I may ask, what strength is the estradiol patch. Are you also on progesterone, testosterone and vaginal estradiol cream? Thanks

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wildapple50 | @wildapple50 | Jan 3 5:03am

I use a 0.05 estradiol patch, a 200 mg progesterone pill, no testosterone, and no vaginal estrogen.

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1 reply
gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 3 6:20am
In reply to @wildapple50 "I use a 0.05 estradiol patch, a 200 mg progesterone pill, no testosterone, and no vaginal..." + (show)
@wildapple50

I use a 0.05 estradiol patch, a 200 mg progesterone pill, no testosterone, and no vaginal estrogen.

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Trying to figure all of this out is like a full time job. Thanks for your response. My provider is switching me from the patch at .0375 to .05 which will now be included in my testosterone pellet, I believe she will also be increasing my progesterone and she I creased my testosterone by a tiny bit. She started me slowly because I am 76 and haven't had her for decades due to the flawed women's health initiative study. Good luck to us all.

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2 replies
osteoresearch | @osteoresearch | Jan 3 7:49am

Thanks for sharing! I’m on .075 estradiol patch, 100 mg progesterone pill (taken at night) and 1ml testosterone cream in the morning.
I’ll report back as anything changes but I’m also on Tymlos.
I looked back at my history: cancer at 56, and bone loss. Coincidence/post estrogen loss? I don’t think so……It “seems” to make sense that HRT “plays a role” in keeping us young and healthy. I read that humans and whales are the only mammals that live past menopause (and humans only since 21st century). We are meant to procreate and then die hence the loss of estrogen then entropy….illness….death. Hopefully you get my reasoning. Thinking out loud!

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wildapple50 | @wildapple50 | Jan 3 8:05am
In reply to @gravity3 "Trying to figure all of this out is like a full time job. Thanks for your..." + (show)
@gravity3

Trying to figure all of this out is like a full time job. Thanks for your response. My provider is switching me from the patch at .0375 to .05 which will now be included in my testosterone pellet, I believe she will also be increasing my progesterone and she I creased my testosterone by a tiny bit. She started me slowly because I am 76 and haven't had her for decades due to the flawed women's health initiative study. Good luck to us all.

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You may want to look up Menopause Taylor on YouTube. She is a gynecologist who has hundreds of videos on menopause.

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1 reply
gravity3 | @gravity3 | Jan 3 8:41am
In reply to @wildapple50 "You may want to look up Menopause Taylor on YouTube. She is a gynecologist who has..." + (show)
@wildapple50

You may want to look up Menopause Taylor on YouTube. She is a gynecologist who has hundreds of videos on menopause.

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Thanks for the resource.
The information that comes through the members here is invaluable. The vulnerability and willingness to share is such a gift. I I know from my own journey that dealing with osteoporosis is an emotional journey as well.

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mayblin | @mayblin | Jan 3 9:18am
In reply to @wildapple50 "I don't remember the % of increase but my dr was happy and said there was..." + (show)
@wildapple50

I don't remember the % of increase but my dr was happy and said there was nothing further to do. I went through menopause at 42. I'm 74 now. I started out using hrt pills, but quit when the WHI scare came out. I didn't do anything for a few years, but then started using hrt creams. These didn't help. When I got on the estradiol patch my dr noticed the improvement. I will continue on with this.

Jump to this post

Thank you very much for your reply! Wish you continued success.

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