Femoral neck -2.8: Would you start treatment now?
From Osteopenia to Osteoporosis in Five Years - what would you do?
Hi everyone, I'm 57 and was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis after progressing from osteopenia over the last five years.
My 2026 DXA results are:
Left femoral neck: T-score -2.8 (osteoporosis)
Right femoral neck: T-score -2.3
Total hips: -1.7 and -1.9
Lumbar spine average: -1.2 (although I'm investigating whether this may be masking more significant bone loss, as L4 alone is -2.2)
My previous scan in 2021 showed a lowest T-score of approximately -1.3, so the drop to -2.8 has been a shock. I went through menopause without HRT, had a demanding job, did very little exercise, and paid little attention to bone health. Although my doctor knew I was menopausal and had osteopenia, I wasn't aware how much bone loss could occur during this period. I have seen my doctor and am being referred to a specialist. MHT/HRT and osteoporosis medications have both been suggested. I am now about five years post-menopause. I don't have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, and my main concern is bone health.
My dilemma is deciding whether to:
Start MHT/HRT now and see whether it helps protect bone.
Go directly to osteoporosis medication.
Spend 12 months focusing on exercise, nutrition, calcium, vitamin D, and strength training, then repeat the DXA before making a treatment decision.
I am also concerned about the long-term commitment involved. MHT may be reasonable for five years, but I'm uncertain about the balance of benefits and risks beyond that, and I've read about the potential for bone loss after stopping treatment.
My questions are:
Has anyone started MHT/HRT around five years after menopause primarily for osteoporosis?
Was it worthwhile for your bone density?
Did anyone choose to monitor and focus on lifestyle changes for a year before starting medication?
If you had a T-score similar to mine (-2.8 at the femoral neck), what treatment path did you choose and why?
Looking back, would you make the same decision again?
Thank you. I'm still coming to terms with the diagnosis and would really appreciate hearing about other people's experiences.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Connect

Hormone Therapy: Start, Stop, Switch:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-streichers-inside-information-menopause-midlife/id1615785832
Hormone Therapy After Age 60:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-streichers-inside-information-menopause-midlife/id1615785832
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2 ReactionsBritish Menopause Society;
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in post menopausal women:
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/consensus-statements/prevention-and-treatment-of-osteoporosis-in-women/
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2 ReactionsMenopause Society Position Statement:
https://menopause.org/wp-content/uploads/professional/2021-osteoporosis-position-statement_577e5813-cdfa-4d5f-a7f2-3c3f3ec0e4c9.pdf
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2 ReactionsThis post on hormone therapy from Dr. Jen Gunther may be helpful as well:
https://open.substack.com/pub/vajenda/p/menopausal-hormone-therapy-and-osteoporosis
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2 ReactionsI’ve been on hormone therapy for about a year and a half. My DEXA at age 50 was normal, at 54 there was a big drop in BMD which showed osteopenia of the spine (-1.8). Hip still within normal range. 56 now. I rescheduled my DEXA when I discovered a facility that has TBS (Trabecular Bone Strength) capability. I will have that done next month. If you can, you may want to see if you can get a TBS assessment before making a decision, although I realize with health insurance limitations, they may be difficult to get if you just had a DEXA. A REMS scan may be something else to consider to give you another piece of information to make your decision. Good luck!
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2 ReactionsAnother post that may be useful in assessing risks of hormone therapy by Dr. Jen Gunther: How Long Can You Safely Stay on Hormone Therapy:
https://open.substack.com/pub/vajenda/p/how-long-can-i-safely-stay-on-menopause
She’s evidence based, but tends to be on the conservative side. However, I think it’s good to get different perspectives when trying to make a decision.
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2 ReactionsGift link to this NY Times article which has link to where you can get free gene testing for cancer risk; may help in decision making for hormone therapy:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/health/ovarian-cancer-fallopian-tubes.html
https://ocrahope.org/resources-support/free-genetic-testing-program/
@cliffdweller thank you so much.
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1 Reaction@cliffdweller started HRT 10 years after and increased bone 5%. No drugs.
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2 ReactionsI'm the same age as you, but my worst score is -4.1 in my lumbar region. My doctor immediately offered me hrt when I fractured my spine last year, because she suspected I had osteoporosis, and said it would help prevent further bone loss while I waited to see an endocrinologist. Hrt has more than just bone benefits. I've been on it for a year and I feel better and LOOK better! So don't be afraid :+)
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