BHRT plus bone supplements with algae derived calcium plus strontium

Posted by marjoram2 @marjoram2, Nov 20, 2025

I am 82. Three endocrinologists have recommended Evenity to me. I am concerned with black box warning. And I don't like that after 1 year one must go on a different bone med--most of which also have scary side effects and produce some kind of frankenbone.
Years of blood thinners and thyroid meds have apparently eaten my bones despite regular weight lifting and trying to stat fit. I have lost several inches and have T8 and T9 vertebra fractures. Changed from Warfarin to Eloquis blood thinner (hopefully for the better).
In checking around internet, I notice the most satisfied older women dealing with osteoporosis seem to be doing well on BHRT along with Algae based calcium/mineral supplements and strontium. I recently started using compounded BHRT cream based on saliva test along with these bone supplements plus strontium. Anyone have thoughts or experience based on this approach (along with high protein diet and exercise of course).

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

Profile picture for mcchesney @kathleen1314

@blueberre
I am on levothyroxine and on strontium citrate and have not had this reaction, nor can I find any research on strontium citrate that shows this reaction.
Actually the one case study to which you are referring was not a case of hives it was a case of DRESS with granulomatous dermatitis; a totally different condition than hives.
DRESS can be found as a reaction to most supplements, drugs and even foods.
With this one case the woman was taking levothyroxine, sumatriptan, topiramate, trazodone, and alprazolam. She also reported taking one supplement called “elderberry. Plus, she also was taking 3 other supplements: Sleepwell, AlgaeCal Plus, and strontium citrate.
Algae Cal Plus and strontium citrate both have medical levels of strontium in them. So she was taking double the recommended dose of strontium citrate. Imagine even taking double the recommended amount of water every day and the dangers that that would hold.
Multiple research studies of strontium citrate have not found this reaction, but then they weren't misusing strontium citrate nor were they taking such a large quantity of other drugs and supplements.

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@kathleen1314
blueberre I was incorrect AlgaeCAl Plus does not contain the full dose of strontium citrate. I am so sorry for the misinformation. Algae Cal makes several products and I looked up the wrong one.
So the patient was just getting a trace amount of strontium in the algae cal it seems and then the whole dose in the strontium citrate.

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Profile picture for singingbones @singingbones

@blueberre - Interesting...there are some similarities in our experiences (not identical). I also wrestle with Hashimoto's. I took AlgaeCal at the advice of my integrative dr to begin to proactively address osteoporosis. It gave me loose stools after only a few days. I'll never know if it was the type of magnesium or the algae element or anything else included. I did not have any trouble with their Strontium Boost. I finished the bottle of SC and started with a more inexpensive brand. Again, no issues. I was aware of my right ankle creaking whenever I climbed our stairs for many yrs. After only 2.5 months on SC the creaking disappeared. I had to stop taking SC when the dr talked me into taking Evenity. I'm halfway through the course and my ankle has been back to creaking for several months now.

Obviously, this is not "proof", but just my experience & personal observations.

I did find a product that includes all the trace minerals that are in AlgaeCal, except for calcium and magnesium. I want to be able to monitor the quantity and type on both of those supplements.

Praying we both get the clarity and discernment we need in how to proceed. Take care!

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@singingbones, I also wondered about the sea weed part of Algae Cal, although the regular Algae Cal did not seem to bother me. Delayed allergic reaction? Sorry to hear about your creaking again. Makes me think my choice to try BHRT might be a good thing. Got my PCP's blessing, but my endo, who is affiliated with UPMC is pushing Prolia or Evinity. Got the blood work done at a clinic that is a medical clinic and does hormones, surgical procedures, etc. I know an 80 year old woman who has been going to them for years. Great bones and attitude. I realize if I start Prolia or Evinity, I will have to remain on them. The endo made it sound like if I did not start Evinity, like yesterday, I was going to die. Yes, best of luck to you on your journey!

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Profile picture for blueberre @blueberre

@singingbones, I also wondered about the sea weed part of Algae Cal, although the regular Algae Cal did not seem to bother me. Delayed allergic reaction? Sorry to hear about your creaking again. Makes me think my choice to try BHRT might be a good thing. Got my PCP's blessing, but my endo, who is affiliated with UPMC is pushing Prolia or Evinity. Got the blood work done at a clinic that is a medical clinic and does hormones, surgical procedures, etc. I know an 80 year old woman who has been going to them for years. Great bones and attitude. I realize if I start Prolia or Evinity, I will have to remain on them. The endo made it sound like if I did not start Evinity, like yesterday, I was going to die. Yes, best of luck to you on your journey!

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@blueberre - the same thing happened to me...just before we left for a trip to Italy to meet family for the first time. The dr's comments really did a number on my head. This short video clip says it all:


BTW...I just spoke with a dr's assistant (78yrs) who says that the Dr she works for prescribes hormones for her that completely reversed her severe OP. I've read about this, but never actually talked to anyone who had a personal story. Needless to say, I'm going to make an appointment with this Dr! Seems many know about HRT, but not many know about optimal ranges to impact bone health.

Oops! Sorry for getting off-topic!

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Profile picture for singingbones @singingbones

@blueberre - Interesting...there are some similarities in our experiences (not identical). I also wrestle with Hashimoto's. I took AlgaeCal at the advice of my integrative dr to begin to proactively address osteoporosis. It gave me loose stools after only a few days. I'll never know if it was the type of magnesium or the algae element or anything else included. I did not have any trouble with their Strontium Boost. I finished the bottle of SC and started with a more inexpensive brand. Again, no issues. I was aware of my right ankle creaking whenever I climbed our stairs for many yrs. After only 2.5 months on SC the creaking disappeared. I had to stop taking SC when the dr talked me into taking Evenity. I'm halfway through the course and my ankle has been back to creaking for several months now.

Obviously, this is not "proof", but just my experience & personal observations.

I did find a product that includes all the trace minerals that are in AlgaeCal, except for calcium and magnesium. I want to be able to monitor the quantity and type on both of those supplements.

Praying we both get the clarity and discernment we need in how to proceed. Take care!

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@singingbones my docs are very cautious about strontium, due to drug interactions…we try to keep things simple—a benefit when one needs new meds, especially cancer treatment.

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Profile picture for blueberre @blueberre

@kathleen1314 I have been taking Algae Cal plus and do not see Strontium on the label. Boron, yes, but no strontium. Yes, she was taking a lot of meds.

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@blueberre If you look at AlgaeCal's website you will see Strontium as a trace in the Algae Cal Plus. AlgaeCal's website recommends you take both if you want to quickly increase your bone density. FYI: I am VERY new to this, so please double check anything of interest that I said.

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Profile picture for squitirogloria @squitirogloria

@blueberre If you look at AlgaeCal's website you will see Strontium as a trace in the Algae Cal Plus. AlgaeCal's website recommends you take both if you want to quickly increase your bone density. FYI: I am VERY new to this, so please double check anything of interest that I said.

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@squitirogloria it seems that trace amounts of strontium, if plant -based are probably not harmful…any response ?

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Profile picture for nycmusic @nycmusic

@squitirogloria it seems that trace amounts of strontium, if plant -based are probably not harmful…any response ?

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@nycmusic Hi NYC! I really have no idea about the strontium as I am so new to this topic. But there is someone on here named Kathleen and she is a world of knowledge. I can tell she's done a ton of research and it rings true for me. From interactions with her and from my own research, I am trying the Bone Builder Pack from AlgaeCal because I'd prefer to reverse this by natural means, not pharmaceuticals. Of course, I can't just rely on supplements. I've changed my diet yet again and will soon be going to PT to build my muscles, which also support bones. The AlgaeCal has plant-based calcium, which supposedly goes to the bones instead of your arteries, and trace amounts of strontium. The pack includes more strontium. I know this wasn't very helpful, but it's as far as I've gotten in this unwanted journey! Good luck to you! I'm sure we will all figure out what is best for us. Happy New Year!

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Hi I’m 56 yrs old female just diagnosed with osteoporosis and my endocrinologist suggested a few medications that have tons of side effects. I’m doing my research to see what f there is a natural way to improve bone density. I find out about Algaecal products which have a good reviews but the strontium that comes with it have a small side effects apparently. I would like to know if someone had tried here and would like advise about it . Thank you .

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Profile picture for blueberre @blueberre

@singingbones, I also wondered about the sea weed part of Algae Cal, although the regular Algae Cal did not seem to bother me. Delayed allergic reaction? Sorry to hear about your creaking again. Makes me think my choice to try BHRT might be a good thing. Got my PCP's blessing, but my endo, who is affiliated with UPMC is pushing Prolia or Evinity. Got the blood work done at a clinic that is a medical clinic and does hormones, surgical procedures, etc. I know an 80 year old woman who has been going to them for years. Great bones and attitude. I realize if I start Prolia or Evinity, I will have to remain on them. The endo made it sound like if I did not start Evinity, like yesterday, I was going to die. Yes, best of luck to you on your journey!

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@blueberre Don’t let any doc scare you into a rushed decision that can affect the rest of your life !

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Profile picture for mcchesney @kathleen1314

@kathleen1314
blueberre I was incorrect AlgaeCAl Plus does not contain the full dose of strontium citrate. I am so sorry for the misinformation. Algae Cal makes several products and I looked up the wrong one.
So the patient was just getting a trace amount of strontium in the algae cal it seems and then the whole dose in the strontium citrate.

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@kathleen1314 thank you for directing me to this info. I was wondering about that. Strontium is not listed as an ingredient on Algae Cal Plus, but they do list "trace minerals", which I am understanding can include strontium and probably iodine. I may have eventually gotten hives from the Algae Cal , but hurried it on with the strontium boost. ( as did the woman in the case study who probably had thyroid issues since she was on levo) Algae also can contain iodine, which is also not great for people with Hashimoto's. So we were both right. So now I have 3 unopened bottles of algae cal. Hoping I get ok'ed for the HRT. Happy to be on this chat, very helpful.

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