Hormone replacement therapy for bone strength

[Immelman]

I have been taking Activelle for the past ten years and am still in osteopenia and my scores have improved. I have read that use of HRT can cause breast cancer. My GP said to continue with the HRT. Any thoughts?

[Fruitandnutcase]

To be honest if I had been offered HRT instead of alendronic acid I’d have jumped at the chance. Instead I was prescribed AA, took it for a few months and gave up because of horrible side effects - not reflux which I half expected.

Unfortunately at 74 and not having taken HRT for a long time I think I’m too old to start HRT again, it’s only my opinion but if you are taking HRT for ten years and are still only in osteopenia and have had no problems so far and your GP is advising you to stay on it then I’d do that.

I found this link that might help although it isn’t recent - I’m sure there must be more recent information around if you search for it.

melioguide.com/osteoporosis...

[Immelman in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thanks so much, really found the article informative and will do a search for newer information. I do some of the Margaret Martin exercises and have watched her videos. I have not lost any height yet and hope to keep this lot under control to be a straight 80 year old.

[t1gernidster]

My GP offered me HRT last year when I was 72. I had been on it when I was younger. I jumped at the chance!

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to t1gernidster]

How long ago was it you took HRT? Must be over 20 years since I stopped it. That sounds interesting though. I’ll bring it up next time anyone suggests I have an infusion.

[t1gernidster in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

about 15 years. Might be worth a try. My GP actually suggested it to me, I didn’t have to ask.

[Neonleon]

I had an early menopause at 34 due to cancer treatment I started HRT not lng after that. When I was 40 I had a dexa scan as my Mother had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis and I was at the low end of osteopenia I’m now 65 and still on HRT and I am at the upper end of osteopenia. I was given AA with a view of taking me off HRT but I am allergic to it so I am still on it and happy to stay on it. I eat well exercise and take a bone support supplement. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Hi Immelman, there is a video about HRT and bones on the bone matters page at the ROS website; theros.org.uk It has the up to date information regarding HRT and bones.

[Immelman in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the link

[FearFracture]

I’m actually considering starting HRT 20+ yrs after menopause. I went through premature menopause in my early 30s and wasn’t given HRT. From everything I’ve read, if you’ve been doing HRT is fine to continue w/. It seems in England, they are fine with women doing HRT indefinitely.

I’m 54 now and in the US they pretty much say you should start w/i 10 yrs of menopause and be under 60. Unfortunately, I don’t meet the w/i 10 yrs of menopause criteria but after yrs of being told it won’t help me at this pt, I’ve found an OB/GYN PA who is willing prescribe HRT and I am seriously considering it. I don’t expect it to “regrow” my bones but HRT has similar effects on BTM (bone turnover markers) as bisphosphonates so I feel like for me it might be the better option. My BTM are not high.

[MWZ3]

I’ve never been able to risk it because I have two sisters who have had breast cancer. With no history you can risk it if it helps your bones. It’s up to you.