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 singingbones @singingbones

@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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@singingbones The Royal osteoporosis Academy says: that HRT seems to be as effective as other drugs for lowering the chance of fracture.
"Is HRT as effective as other osteoporosis medicines?
Yes - HRT appears to be as effective as other osteoporosis medicines at lowering the chance of broken bones in postmenopausal women. It is a recommended treatment for osteoporosis."
https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/.

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Profile picture for mcchesney @kathleen1314

@singingbones The Royal osteoporosis Academy says: that HRT seems to be as effective as other drugs for lowering the chance of fracture.
"Is HRT as effective as other osteoporosis medicines?
Yes - HRT appears to be as effective as other osteoporosis medicines at lowering the chance of broken bones in postmenopausal women. It is a recommended treatment for osteoporosis."
https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/.

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@kathleen1314 - YES! I've been following your posts and this topic on Inspire for months. I've been on a low-dose of hormones for yrs, so it's been a matter of finding someone who can address the OP correlation in terms of optimal ranges. I just found such a dr (after much research and much time and money) and am looking forward to an appt at the end of this month. The dr's assistant shared her own testimony with me of using HRT to bring her severe OP back to the 'normal' range! Thanks for the link--I read every one of them.

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Profile picture for blueberre @blueberre

@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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@blueberre i didn’t do great on AlgaeCal, but guessed it was the relatively high amount of magnesium that was giving me loose stools…switched to New Chapter, less magnesium—and I got the tiny tab version, so I could adjust dosage if I want to. Now at 4 of the 6 recommended dosage, so far so good…

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Profile picture for mvelazquez26 @mvelazquez26

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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I tried the Algae Cal and then added the Strontium Boost. I broke out in hives after a week on the strontium. I also have thyroid problems and take synthroid. Could have been a bad mix. Apparently there could be trace amounts of strontium in Algae Cal also, but not listed on the label. I do not think every one will get hives. Just my experience. My hives went away after stopping both, Perhaps BHRT? at 56 you might be a good candidate for it. Even at 68, I am looking into it. Had blood test run. Waiting for results and then go from there.

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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 I called the company that makes AlgaeCal and they confirmed that their regular calcium supplements contain trace amounts of it, since it's a naturally occurring element in algae.

We ingest small amounts of strontium every day through out diet, because it's found in small amounts in various foods, particularly in seafood, whole milk, wheat bran, root vegetables, and leafy greens. However, the levels are generally low. This website contains a lot of information on this.
https://biologyinsights.com/what-foods-are-high-in-strontium/

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Profile picture for blueberre @blueberre

@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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@blueberre
Be sure to use Bhrt topical/vaginal. This combo has the safest profile with the best results for your whole body. Oral of any kind BHRT or HRT is subject to the problems with first pass in the liver so it is best to go the topical/vaginal route.

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I am finding at 67 that no one wants to order BHRT for me. I am spending so much time trying to find someone that will consider it for me instead of the osteoporosis drugs.

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My ent said he would not prescribe hrt, I would need to go to a gyn for that. It is because they need to continue to watch you. I had no problem getting it from her. I am 77. Used to be thought you had to just be finished with menopause. But not anymore.

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Profile picture for samclembeau @samclembeau

My ent said he would not prescribe hrt, I would need to go to a gyn for that. It is because they need to continue to watch you. I had no problem getting it from her. I am 77. Used to be thought you had to just be finished with menopause. But not anymore.

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Just curious, which state do you live in?

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Profile picture for codythedog @codythedog

I am finding at 67 that no one wants to order BHRT for me. I am spending so much time trying to find someone that will consider it for me instead of the osteoporosis drugs.

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@codythedog
Just call your local compounding pharmacist; ask for someone who uses BHRT and hormone testing, like saliva testing.
Also, here is a ZRT search engine that list compounders, doctors and medical providers who use their products:
https://myzrt.zrtlab.com/tools/findprovider
Plus, you might start vit k to work on any plaque which might have built up. Plaque is the major concern when beginning any HRT when you have been without for over 10 years.

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