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

@dorob, I am 75 and have been on an estrogen patch for 9 months. I have definitely gained weight and have never had to worry about weight gain before in my life. I also have ankle swelling and have to wear compression stockings. I feel better in other ways: skin, hair and vagina aren't as dry. My spine BMD is almost normal now and my hip BMD shows osteopenia after 7 fractures.

@drsuefowler
Please excuse me if I've asked you this before, but what dose is your patch? I am using the Menostar patch with a dose of 14 mcg per day. I would love to see similar improvements in my bone density! I have actually lost approx 4 lbs due to a change in diet. Otherwise no changes as the Menostar patch is only to stabilize OP and I have not yet had a DEXA scan to detect progress in this regard.

@drsuefowler
Thank you so much for your response. It sure gets rough trying to navigate the options available regarding this disease. My first video visit with my bone consultant thru my neurosurgery doc is tomorrow morning. All blood work is normal. My femoral necks are the areas of significant bone loss edging near osteoporosis. I’m going to commit to doing regular closed chain kinetics to try and increase that trabecular bone growth before any jump into bone building meds if I can for awhile.

@drsuefowler

Thanks for sharing this. Is it estradiol? Are you also on progesterone and testosterone?

@tillymack, I was on 14 mcg Menostar for 7 months. I have been on 25 mcg Climara now for 2 months. I just had my DEXA. I asked to raise the estrogen, because my CTX was 371 and I wanted it lower. It is now 171.

@drsuefowler Got it! Have those good and not so good symptoms arisen since you started Climara? I'd love to hear more about your new direction for better bone health! Are you pleased with your recent DEXA scan results? This is exciting!

I was told the same by my gynecologist - her concern I'm
12 years post menopause (62) and she says the risk of stroke or heart attack are more concerned than the side effects of Prolia (what she wants me to take)

@lourdita15

There have been some significant changes in thinking re: hormone replacement since the flawed women's health initiative study is being challenged. Not a doctor nor do I know your medical history. May I ask what your dexa scores are? It is so important to do our own research in order to advocate for our care. Women's health research has received a pittance compared to me s health research. Good luck and there is so much wisdom on this forum.

@tillymack, The good results started with Menostar and got better with Climara. I have had leg issues for years, but it is worse now. I and my endocrinologists are very pleased with my DEXA results. Besides Estrogen, I have been in PT for my knees and hips, then for pelvic floor. I also eat very well, mostly organic. I take supplements similar to Algaecal and Collagen. I just added a tiny dose of Vitamin K2mk4. If you are not aware, I was on a half dose of Tymlos for 2 years, now off for 3 months. I have an endocrinologist appt tomorrow, which shall be helpful regarding my future plans.