JanOz

[Jangil9]

I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis three years ago. My specialist wants me to commence HRT to protect my bones. I did not fancy taking any drugs as I have read so many adverse comments so what do you think of me taking HRT? I am 60, feel well and walk a lot to keep fit. Any advice would be great. Thx.

[Bkin]

I personally would have tried HRT if I had fit the criteria for it in preference to the other bone meds, possibly less chance of side affects. I am sure your specialist would have assessed your suitability for HRT. To be sure of these you may want to check with the NOS helpline (can be found on the page link below)

Also if you haven't already done so, perhaps have a browse through some of the available information on-line and pdf downloads from NOS publications page. there is information about drugs, exercise, diet and nutrition etc which you may find of interest.

nos.org.uk/information/publ...

Its great you are walking every day keep that up.

[Jangil9 in reply to Bkin]

Thank you so much for your advice. It's lovely to know there are many others out there who care. I shall take your advice. Thanks 💝

[HeronNS]

I think there are some forms of HRT which are safer than others. Don't really know much about it, but suggest you look up bio-identical HRT for the latest on whether they are safer or not, think there has been some discussion on that. You'd want to go with the best type, if there is a difference. How long would you be taking them for, is it a lifelong thing? I'd be most interested to learn more.

[Jangil9 in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you for your kind words. I shall give HRT a go once I have done some more research. Oddly never went in HRT during menopause as I sailed through it. Lucky me in that regard.

[HeronNS in reply to Jangil9]

I never took it, not was I offered it, and some of my friends were taking it but had to stop when they realized it was raising cancer risk.

There seems to be a lot of good info on line. I know for a while ppl were being advised that bio-identical was safer but it seems that's not the case. More likely length of time one is on the medication is more important. So in that regard for bone health it's like all the other meds - not something to be taken indefinitely, and worth reevaluating risk vs benefit every few years.

breastcancer.org/risk/facto...

[Jangil9 in reply to HeronNS]

Appreciate your advice. Thank you 💝

[Hidden]

I personally daren't take HRT as I have had breast cancer and take a tablet to reduce hormone production as my cancer was hormone positive. That doesn't mean everyone on HRT will get BC, but it is something to be aware of.

[Jangil9 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your advice. Hope your health is improving. Love and healing from me in Sydney, Australia. 💝

[Southessexgirl]

I really wish that I had taken HRT. I managed my menopause with soya products and Menopace tabs and was pleased that I didn't have to consider HRT. Five lumbar fractures and two painful years later, I wonder how much better my bones if I had had HRT. Things are improving now - pain levels are much reduced and my activity levels are up - but it has been hard work getting to this point.

[Hidden in reply to Southessexgirl]

Well I had it for 3 years, had cancer and several other serious problems, then diagnosed with Osteoporosis. So there are no guarantees.

[Bkin in reply to Hidden]

Cancer drugs are inclined to put patients at risk of osteoporosis, without such treatment the HRT could have worked well for you.

Its unfortunate that medications that treat an illness can cause other health issues. Oral steroids are also a problem when it comes to thinning bones, as you probably know as well as I.

There is hope for some that protect their bones with HRT during the first few years of menopause. But as you say there are no guarantees but something worth a try for those who wish to and are suitable candidates for the course of treatment.

[Jangil9 in reply to Southessexgirl]

Thank you for your response. The Specialist here in Sydney gave me three options, a 6 monthly injection, a weekly tablet or HRT to which I replied "what would you take if you were me?" Specialist said HRT - this is despite me having had two DVTs and breast cancer in my family. I hope your pain is improving day by day. Big hug 💝

[Jangil9 in reply to Southessexgirl]

Sorry to hear about your pain and suffering. Great to hear your pain levels are reducing.

One just doesn't know what is the best treatment and guess we can only believe in the experts.

Did you go on medication at all when you found out you had osteoporosis?

Thanks so much for your response. All the best 💝

Janet