Osteoporosis and HRT

[mskathyny]

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with osteopenia which has now progressed to osteoporosis, though frankly my recent DEXA report is so unclear that I'm waiting for word from my doctor to interpret it. My question is about hormone replacement and osteoporosis. I've been listening to podcasts with Dr. Felice Gersh who makes a convincing case for post-menopausal (I am 73 years old) use of the hormone estradoil to promote bone growth. I have heard from friends who are using estradoil cream as a vaginal suppository to relieve vaginal dryness and atrophy. I'm wondering if this use of the hormone would migrate to the bones and have any positive effect on them. It seems a simple matter to get a Rx for this vaginal cream and I might just go ahead and do this as it doesn't seem to have any negative side effects. Alternatively I would like to find a doctor anywhere near New York City who would consider treating with transdermal estrogen patches. Dr. Gersh treats patients with this protocol but is located in San Diego. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions on this issue. ( I have, by the way, done all the things over the past couple of years that I think most of us recommend: weight bearing exercises, a range of supplements, etc.) Has anyone used any type of hormone therapy with any measure of success?

Thanks in advance. This message board is a wonderful resource as we all struggle with this very confusing disease.

[Sophie4fun]

My doctor will give me progesterone cream but no estrogen patches . They seem to think estrogen can cause cancer especially at my age . My doctor also said that even at a fairly safe dose it wouldn’t be enough to help my bones .I am about the same age as you . I have found the progesterone crème helpful for sleep and dry skin, and feeling better overall but it hadn’t helped my bones and I don’t expect it will

[Monty1222]

Vaginal estrogen is not systemic— that is, it only works locally in the vaginal tissues and does NOT positively impact bone.

[dcdream]

I have used the exact vaginal cream you reference for over a decade and it has had no impact on my bones nor improved my osteoporosis.