1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Transdermal HRT

Posted by vkmov @vkmov, Oct 19, 2023

Many studies have found that transdermal HRT protects and builds bone without all the horrific side effects of many first-line osteoporosis treatments. The patch bypasses the liver and thereby avoids the risks of breast cancer, strokes, etc. Has anyone explored this or discussed it with their doctors?

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teb | @teb | Oct 23, 2023
In reply to @bayhorse "I asked the rheumatologist (who's prescribing my osteoporosis med) about transdermal estrogen, and she told me..." + (show)
@bayhorse

I asked the rheumatologist (who's prescribing my osteoporosis med) about transdermal estrogen, and she told me she didn't deal with hormones and I'd have to make an appointment with a gyn. This surprised me -- the rheumatologist is my osteoporosis doc and I figured she'd know about all possible treatments. My gynecologist is not going to manage my osteoporosis. My question: would an endocrinologist manage the osteoporosis AND be able to deal with the hormone questions and possible treatment?

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A rheumatologist would not prescribe HRT because it is prescribed for menopausal symptoms not osteoporosis. If you are within 10 years of menopause and experiencing hot flashes or other typical symptoms, your gynecologist may prescribe it for you. My endocrinologist prescribed mine initially but that is not the norm. He happened to be very familiar with hormones due to working with trans people. A naturopath may prescribe it to you or an integrative MD but likely those practitioners will be out of network.

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teb | @teb | Oct 23, 2023
In reply to @pennykj "For those of you using transdermal HRT patches, what brand/kind are you using? I read some..." + (show)
@pennykj

For those of you using transdermal HRT patches, what brand/kind are you using? I read some reviews and it seems like many women like smaller patches. Thank you.

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I use a once-a-week patch. The initial patch I was prescribed was Climara. It's very small and clear but it didn't stay on very well. It rolled up quite a bit, especially when it got wet in a shower or swimming. I've switched to the brand by Mylan which is a little thicker and stays put for the whole week. Much happier with that product.

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3 replies
vkmov | @vkmov | Oct 24, 2023
In reply to @teb "I use a once-a-week patch. The initial patch I was prescribed was Climara. It's very small..." + (show)
@teb

I use a once-a-week patch. The initial patch I was prescribed was Climara. It's very small and clear but it didn't stay on very well. It rolled up quite a bit, especially when it got wet in a shower or swimming. I've switched to the brand by Mylan which is a little thicker and stays put for the whole week. Much happier with that product.

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I use the Menostar patch. Only fell off once in five years.

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flowergal | @flowergal | Oct 24, 2023

I had been using low dose bio identical estradiol cream, testosterone and a progesterone soft capsule. For about ten years it has helped me in many ways.
However I was just diagnosed with breast cancer (early) oncologist says most likely caused by hormones. (How can they know for sure?)
I stopped taking them as the cancer is estrogen positive. I thought I was doing the right thing with the low dose compounded creams. Now my hormone Doctor is upset that I stopped taking them.

Wish we knew for sure about them.

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1 reply
vgkime | @vgkime | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @flowergal "I had been using low dose bio identical estradiol cream, testosterone and a progesterone soft capsule...." + (show)
@flowergal

I had been using low dose bio identical estradiol cream, testosterone and a progesterone soft capsule. For about ten years it has helped me in many ways.
However I was just diagnosed with breast cancer (early) oncologist says most likely caused by hormones. (How can they know for sure?)
I stopped taking them as the cancer is estrogen positive. I thought I was doing the right thing with the low dose compounded creams. Now my hormone Doctor is upset that I stopped taking them.

Wish we knew for sure about them.

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Did you use a transdermal patch which bypasses the liver and also what was the dosage of the estradiol cream you were using? Thank you.

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fili123 | @fili123 | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @vkmov "I’m still discussing using a higher dose of transdermal HRT plus prometrium with my doctor. She..." + (show)
@vkmov

I’m still discussing using a higher dose of transdermal HRT plus prometrium with my doctor. She isn’t averse to the lower dose but is warns about stroke risks after age 70. The transdermal HRT studies don’t appear to agree. Did you have any hair loss on Forteo? I’m seeing comments here about an increase in belly fat and hair loss. I’m supposed to start it soon. Of course the trials showed osteosarcoma in mice…but not humans yet.

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Do you have Rx ins? My Medicare Part D wants a $1500 copayment per month for Forteo.

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3 replies
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @fili123 "Do you have Rx ins? My Medicare Part D wants a $1500 copayment per month for..." + (show)
@fili123

Do you have Rx ins? My Medicare Part D wants a $1500 copayment per month for Forteo.

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Have you tried to contact the Forteo manufacturer to see if they have a financial support plan. I am now receiving zero co-pay support which covers the $1547 per month for my Dupixent. Might be worth a try.
Chris

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happyretired | @happyretired | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @tsch "I am 80, have been on HRT since age 50. Using estradiol patch at lowest strength..." + (show)
@tsch

I am 80, have been on HRT since age 50. Using estradiol patch at lowest strength for the past 5 years or so. Have had many discussions with gyn doc about this and ultimately is my decision. I feel protective effects outweigh the possible negatives. I do not expect to ever stop it. I do not take for osteoporosis, I take for overall benefits.

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I am 74 and have taken HRT for 20 years. Don't have any side affects. Check every year.

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1 reply
tsch | @tsch | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @fili123 "Do you have Rx ins? My Medicare Part D wants a $1500 copayment per month for..." + (show)
@fili123

Do you have Rx ins? My Medicare Part D wants a $1500 copayment per month for Forteo.

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You should screen at medicare.gov to get a better plan for next year. Also if you are low income there may be programs to help you. Check your state SHIP program for assistance,

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2 replies
bayhorse | @bayhorse | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @teb "I use a once-a-week patch. The initial patch I was prescribed was Climara. It's very small..." + (show)
@teb

I use a once-a-week patch. The initial patch I was prescribed was Climara. It's very small and clear but it didn't stay on very well. It rolled up quite a bit, especially when it got wet in a shower or swimming. I've switched to the brand by Mylan which is a little thicker and stays put for the whole week. Much happier with that product.

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What type of doctor prescribed your patch?

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