I was on Forteo for 2 years and followed my treatment with bioidentical hormones to maintain the gains. I was about 62 at the time I went on hormones. Oral estrogen has the most risk so it is best to use a transdermal patch which bypasses the liver. If you still have a uterus, you will need to go on oral progesterone in addition to the transdermal estrogen. The common dose prescribed is 100 mg progesterone. There are greater risks going on hormones outside of the 10 year window post menopause but there are risks with any medication you take. I chose hormones as the most natural approach to maintaining my bones even though I was just outside that safer window of time. I wish I went on them sooner. I've been on them 5 years now and my bones have somewhat stabilized. If you are considering hormones, it is best to have a practitioner who is knowledgeable in this area (few are). You can find a practitioner on the North American Menopause Society website.