HRT Safety

@debbie1956 my endocrinologist won’t prescribe HRT. Im 69 she says it won’t help my bone loss much at this point, although I could certainly use the other benefits it provides.
Maybe my blood pressure is an issue with HRT as well. I’m going to revisit this with another MD next month.
Thanks for your insightful post. Best of luck. I think the spine improvement is a win. I’ve been struggling to stay on Tymlos so far 7 months. No idea what else I will even take after or instead of. They suggest Prolia…..I can’t take oral biophosphates. I exercise a lot.

@lightlifts just a thought, but when my new doctor was willing to put me on BHRT at age 68, after doing all the testing, she specifically asked about menopausal symptoms. Basically, she asked, "You ARE experiencing menopausal symptoms, right?". I did experience limited hot flashes, but was not too bothered by that. I wanted to try it for bone loss. It seems that BHRT is recommended for menopausal symptoms, but at this point not for bones, although some studies show that it does help. I know that sounds manipulative, but doctors need to protect themselves too. Maybe lean on the "relief from hot flashes and hoping it helps my bones"" when you see your doctor. I have only been on it for about 3 weeks, and so far feel fine, actually good. Sleep is much better and my migraines have stopped, for the moment.

@blueberre I went on HRT at 64. I am now 67. I have gained 5% increase in bone density. I am osteopenia range now. No drugs,

@debbie1956 Sounds like good news for you. I too have just started BHRT at 68. A chiropractor suggested it to me a few years ago, but I declined. After my second DEXA got worse with a lot of supplementation and exercise, I went the BHRT route. The MD that prescribed it for me specializes in hormones and also does surgical procedures such as face lifts,tummy tucks etc. She also switched my thyroid medicine from Synthroid (25 years) to NP Thyroid. After 2 weeks on the BHRT and NP, I can say I feel wonderful. Great sleep and less agitated at the world. Maybe placebo, but I'll take it after feeling like a tightly wound clock since I started the synthroid at 52! My Dr did a CBC and CMP, plus asked about family history.(no cancer history in my family) The only med I took was the Synthroid. I was very hesitant to switch to the NP, but I feel a big difference and am sleeping better. Exercise and good diet are still imperative. I never was a smoker, which is really bad for bone density. Alcohol is also detrimental. Good luck to us all on the bone journey.

@blueberre - what is NP Thyroid? I take Synthroid since 2008.

@leeosteo Sorry for my delayed reply. I just discovered your message in my inbox. The tests the Menopause Society physician looked at were my cholesterol and A1C levels, blood pressure as well as CBC test results. She recommended a coronary artery scan as well which I had done. All my results were fine with a coronary artery score of zero. She also weighed me and asked about family cancer history etc.

@debbie1956 , thanks. Was your Menopause Society physician a conventional GYN or functional GYN? Do you have any family cancer risk? For example, my mother had CVD and breast cancer and I have none of that. My CAC test was 0.

@debbie1956 , thanks. Was your Menopause Society physician a conventional GYN or functional GYN? Do you have any family cancer risk? For example, my mother had CVD and breast cancer and I have none of that. My CAC test was 0.

@leeosteo, a cac score of 0 in late 60s is very impressive! However, since you have a family history of cvd, you might want to consider a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist, as a 0 cac doesn't always show the full picture (like 'soft' plaques, genetic factors and other underlying medical conditions). I’m happy to share the list of labs and tests I had during my evaluation if that helps.

Regarding the breast cancer history, the details of your mom's diagnosis - like her age and the specific type - could matter quite a bit. There are online tools such as the Tyrer-Cuzick model that can help estimate risk, but discussing those details with a knowledgeable physician is really the key.

Whether you choose a traditional doctor or a specialized clinic, getting a second or even a third opinion might be worth it for your own peace of mind.

It was for me. I had to go on Forteo to build back the bone I lost but a low dose of HRT (.025 transdermal) seems to have maintained the gain for the past 6 years.