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Have you been told no to hrt if you are 10+ years post menopause?

Posted by gravity3 @gravity3, May 16, 2024

Starting hrt 10 years post menopause and the flawed Women's health initiative study.
I have been told no and yet the current findings seem to indicate that hrt can still help.

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | 3 days ago
In reply to @lilac2025 "Yes, just today I met with a nurse practitioner at my OB/GYN for an open discussion...." + (show)
Profile picture for lilac2025 @lilac2025

Yes, just today I met with a nurse practitioner at my OB/GYN for an open discussion. She said the HRT treatments will do NOTHING to increase bone density for post-menopausal women. She stated to me they are meant to be a "bridge" between peri-menopause and menopause. Funny thing is I DID expect this answer, but I needed to go and rule it out. I asked her about "bio-identical" options and she said they are not FDA approved, so she could not make that recommendation. That being said, she did mention some kind of "bio-tea" she was aware of on Amazon. So far, with my osteoporosis diagnosis in April 2025, I have been going "natural" with diet & exercise. I work with a physical therapist, who incrementally helps me have the confidence to increase the weights I use for deadlifts, squats and assorted other exercises that help you grow muscle, which helps with bone growth. I do believe this is quite a controversial topic for women who are post-menopausal. I'll be checking back to see what others have to say!

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@lilac2025

At 76 I started bhrt for a number of reasons. My primary was not "curing" my Osteoporosis. I have take bone meds for quite awhile with good results. However I also knew that it could offer some support to my bone health. I have had wonderful results for my libido, urine incontinence, senile purpura, muscle resilience, mood, sleep among others.

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blueberre | @blueberre | 3 days ago
In reply to @smc25 "I am 64 and also have started HRT with a functional medicine group as my primary..." + (show)
Profile picture for smc25 @smc25

I am 64 and also have started HRT with a functional medicine group as my primary MD was very hesitant. I had no other risk factors and felt with the new information and the use of bio identical forms it was worth it to me.

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@smc25 keep us posted. And best wishes!

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tillymack | @tillymack | 3 days ago
In reply to @tillymack "@smc25 I've checked the websites of 5 functional medicine groups. It seems that they do deal..." + (show)
Profile picture for tillymack @tillymack

@smc25 I've checked the websites of 5 functional medicine groups. It seems that they do deal with HRT BUT the cost of visits ranges from $600 to $9,000.

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@tillymack So far I haven't found a functional medical practice that accepts insurance. Any suggestions in this regard? Thank you!

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smc25 | @smc25 | 3 days ago

Unfortunately I was not able to find one either that takes insurance so I am paying a monthly that covers all meds, labs and visits. Really too bad we have to pay out of pocket! May be with the shifting views of HRT that will change.

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mahonlye | @mahonlye | 3 days ago

Cardiac health risks, risk of stroke, risk of blood clots and breast cancer risk are all looked at prior to approval to start on HRT at any time but especially if 10 yrs or greater into post menopausal period

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hansens | @hansens | 3 days ago
In reply to @gravity3 "@tillymack My insurance pays for the blood tests and nurse practitioner visits as well as my..." + (show)
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@tillymack

My insurance pays for the blood tests and nurse practitioner visits as well as my vaginal estradiol and progesterone capsules. I pay 375 for the estradiol and testosterone pellet and insertion every 12 weeks.

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@gravity3 My insurance also covers my vaginal estradiol. However, I’ve been using Mark Cuban Cost Plus Pharmacy! I’m saving so much more money. Prices are lower than my insurance coverage. All the medicine prices are listed. Highly recommend you take the time to check.

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tillymack | @tillymack | 2 days ago
In reply to @mahonlye "Cardiac health risks, risk of stroke, risk of blood clots and breast cancer risk are all..." + (show)
Profile picture for mahonlye @mahonlye

Cardiac health risks, risk of stroke, risk of blood clots and breast cancer risk are all looked at prior to approval to start on HRT at any time but especially if 10 yrs or greater into post menopausal period

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@mahonlye Could you tell me the key tests that are used to determine risk for cardiac health, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer? Many thanks!

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mahonlye | @mahonlye | 2 days ago

You would consider if you have any cardiac diagnoses to start - are you being treated for any cardiac issues? Do you have any clotting issues, any family members diagnosed with breast cancer etc…. that’s where I suppose you start- if none, you could have a conversation with your team of Drs to ask if any testing would be appropriate for you to have to rule out any issue before be started on HRT- ie, I wasn’t being treated for any of the above but I had a cardiac calcium test to find out in more depth if I had cardiac risk that I’m not aware of.

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chiefsmom | @chiefsmom | 2 days ago

I am 66 and asked about HRT and Bioidentical hormones and she said it would take 6 to 8 years to see any improvement in bone density.

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