Transdermal HRT

@gargoy yes same however new evidence shows that those studies were flawed. The risk of getting cancer from it are far lower than the risk of breaking a hip or having side effects from the medication’s.

@gargoy

Have you had the genetic test to see if you arry the gene for those cancer?

@kathleen1314
Yes - agree, the studies done early and what caused initial black box label included the progestin, not bioactive progesterone and oral estrogens rather than patch which they all agree hold higher risk- but if you can find research that claims starting Bioactive > than 10 yrs after menopause isn’t linked to increase risk of dementia - I’d love for you to share with me- I haven’t seen it….
What I see the research studies claim is the earlier you start any form of HRT, the benefit is likely - and can possible improve risk for dementia, however if > 65 yrs old or > 10 yrs post menopause, the risk for dementia increases substantially.

Is there an age when it is too late.? I was taken off oral HRT when I was 37 snd had surgical menopause due to endometriosis. I wonder if I had patch if it wd have helped. Life has been very difficult and osteoporosis followed by osteonecrosis of many parts of head due to having Prolia because far too many steroids oral and injected!!! Im 78 and think life is done. A life of pain.

@mahonlye
I still believe that the confusion arises in the synthetic progestin sometimes being called progesterone and then being confused with a bioidentical progesterone. Synthetic progestin is linked to many conditions including dementia. See studies, the large 2023 Danish study in The BMJ referenced below.
At best most recent studies show no impact either way for most HRT except for negative results when combined with progestin when started 10 years after menopause. see studies listed below.
You might pose the question to copilot which can find all the research and link for you; just remember that even an AI can be confused by the progesterone terminology so you have to be very precise in your phrasing. I programmed for several years so I know how particular and frankly how easily confused a program even AI may become.
To restate in another way with research links:
Recent studies present conflicting evidence, but several analyses suggest that initiated Hormone Therapy (HT) or Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) more than 5-10 years after menopause does not significantly increase, and sometimes shows no link to, the risk of developing dementia compared to no treatment, particularly in studies focused on the timing of initiation.
Key Findings on Timing and Dementia Risk:
No Significant Link/Neutral Risk: A major 2026 review published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity of over 1 million women found no clear evidence that MHT, regardless of timing, significantly alters dementia risk. (link below)
"Timing Hypothesis" Support: Research indicates a "window of opportunity" where starting HT within 5 years of menopause may reduce Alzheimer's risk (30% less risk), while starting 5 or more years after (often >10 years) does not offer the same protection, but also does not necessarily increase risk in all studies.
Contradictory Evidence: Some studies, such as a large 2023 Danish study in The BMJ, argue that any use of combined estrogen-progestin, regardless of age or timing, is associated with a higher risk of dementia, suggesting the brain's response changes with age. https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj-2022-072770

Why Later Use May Differ:
Researchers believe that 10 or more years after menopause, the brain may already have early signs of Alzheimer’s, such as plaque accumulation, and introducing hormones at this stage may not provide the same protective benefits observed in early,, intervention.
Latest studies which show little to no impact:
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/study-finds-no-evidence-that-hormone-therapy-use-affects-dementia-risk-in-postmenopausal-women
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(25)00122-9/fulltext
Recent, large-scale studies and meta-analyses, such as those published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity (2026) and reviewed by the FDA, indicate that HRT is generally neutral—neither strongly increasing nor decreasing dementia risk in older, post-menopausal women.
Contrastingly, The use of "opposed" hormone therapy (estrogen combined with a synthetic progestin) started 10 years after menopause has been associated with higher rates of dementia compared to early initiation.

@jimiwho
According to the NAMS statement and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, age is no longer a determining factor for HRT.
What is important is that you have a doctor that tests and makes sure that you are healthy enough with no preexisting conditions that might preclude the use of any HRT and according to the research that you use the safest method and delivery possible. The safest has been found over and over again to be bioidentical, topical or vaginal non oral, at the lowest active level to impact positively.
As a side note, I use strontium citrate and BHRT to treat my former osteoporosis diagnosis. I am currently in normal bone density with normal bone quality, as per dexa and TBS, no side effects, no fractures. I am 73 years old.
Also, I am seeing that Strontium citrate, a nutritional supplement, shows potential to support bone health by promoting new bone formation and increasing density. While studies suggest it may enhance bone healing, particularly in animal models, there is limited clinical evidence that it effectively treats or reverses human osteonecrosis. There is evidence that strontium helps with jaw osteonecrosis caused by osteoporosis drugs. Indeed, some dentists have placed strontium laced implants etc into jaws and even skulls to promote healing.
Question: what type of cortisone shot and shot location caused the osteonecrosis? osteonecrosis of the jaw? I am seeing in the research that just one shot can cause this. Ah!!! but I asked copilot about this one knee shot situation; Copilot said that this is only one known case of a knee shot causing osteonecrosis and that patient was taking daily steriods and had severe osteoporosis. Plus, when found the osteonecrosis was reversed. Copilot said also that osteonecrosis is most likely to occur from a hip shot because the hip has such a diminshed blood flow compared to the knee . I love copilot; it translated a study from the original FARSI for me a few months ago so I could compare the dose level of some research. We need good regulations, but AI has wonderful potential to help us all.

@kathleen1314
I am very interested and have felt hopeless…. I had two injections of Prolia (denosumab) approx six
Months apart and had many severe side effects. (See manufacturer Amgen’s lusting if severe side effects. I experienced so many and more which they have since listed. Drugs.com. UK medical and many medical institutions. Diagnosed by dentist which is good place to start w pain and agonies. Has affected small bones of ears with severe pain, numeroys hearing problems ans seen by otologist and two audiologists. No one should have injections withoyt careful study. Suggest not taking if react to many thinfs. Prolua had black box warning. Vit D and Blood calcium levels are significant in use and needs to be watched prior and during use if drug. Suggest see an endocrinologist rather than General or internal medicine. Reas and study carefully and discuss with dentist and ask questions. My life is destroyed. Pain worsens throughout my head without relief. Some major medical centers are researching. Mayo in Rochester is one. Can cause necrosis of hip/femoral heads more likely but jaw is also in danger. Rare but happens and if it is your but there is little help except long journey with antibiotics, steroids which may worsen possibility of infection, and may require bone replacement surgery, obvious need for pain relief, etc. not to take this lightly! I regret trusting and having ut. Some drs have said, “I have never seen anything like this but this is what it is.”

@jimiwho
This sounds most like a Prolia reaction. Prolia has listed side effects of necrosis of the jaw and osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal (bone death/breakdown in the ear canal.
This may be exaceberated by steriod use, but the Prolia really seems to be the problem.
I am so sorry that you are going thru this reaction. I was lucky I just couldn't take the osteoporosis drugs which we prescribed. My friend who was fracturing and stopped after she began strontium citrate says that we won the bone lottery.
You might try strontium citrate; it is an earth mineral found in most ground water and food; we just take it at therapeutic dose level of 680mg nightly.

@kathleen1314 Yes. It was the Prolia w the denosumab in it. I was given oral and injections of steroids and cd feel the sickness from them. I refused to continue them as I react to the steroids with pain, swelling in joints n bones and legs arms hands and wrists. I refused more . I have begun to feel better without the steroids I tapered in 2024 and without more Prolia. Where do you find the water you mentioned? I need B12 and Vit D but do not know where to get D injections. My body doesnt absorb nutients from food nor most medications. My entire body is affected but am most worried about my eye, skull, ears, mouth, jaw, neck, headaches and now my brain. I am afraid. I am 78 yr old lady. Dr here tells me they will not treat me above my neck. Last I knew my head is connected to my body although there is a fence post nearby. My dentist wants me to at least go to Mayo or similar. Very complicated. Thank you for your information….wish you all the best!

@jimiwho
I did not mention water; I mentioned strontium citrate. You can find it anywhere. AOR has one which I have used which is monitored by Canada which monitors supplements at the production level; vitacost has strontium citrate at a good price point. All strontium is the same; what is important is the dose level 680 mg at night and the additives in the pill ordered.
Most doctors can give a vi b12 or vit d shot.