Why do GPs not routinely give HRT as 1st line treatment for osteoporosis?

[Sunnygirl69]

I'm very puzzled as to why here in Ireland (maybe same in UK & elsewhere) GPs do not tend to prescribe HRT as a treatment for osteoporosis.At age 53 & based only on result of dexa scan my GP put me on Prolia. That was 3 years ago.

In the last 6 months & on my own investigations I have spoken with 3 consultants.

Consultant A - osteoporosis expert

His opinion : healthy 53 year old woman should not have been started on Prolia based on dexa scan results alone.

Consultant B - endocrinology expert

Her opinion : healthy 56 year old woman - start on HRT as oestrogen should strengthen bones. Incorrect for Prolia to have been prescribed. At 53 years of age. At that point I was on Fosamax - stop it & just go with HRT.

Consultant C - rheumatology expert

Her opinion : she will only prescribe Prolia to patients in their 80s or 90s as it is something that once on it, you will remain on it for rest of life.

Are GPs just being lazy? Are they not up to date on women's health issues?

Opinions please 🙏

[powerwalk]

Thats scary. I'm older than you, Ireland also and just so confused and terrified of these bone meds. So depending on the medical "experts" to know what they are doing. I reckon "here just take the injection" is the easy route in a lot of cases!

[Breathless1943]

hi ,I was prescribed Prolia when I was around 65yrs old,I am now 81yrs old and I’ve never had a problem with it so I can’t complain. In the beginning I was told I had to come off it after a certain time which I can’t remember now,but because it suited me I didn’t want to so I wrote to the company and if I can I’ll send you the reply I got.

[Bonehealt]

pls look at the Facebook group Excellent info

Group called Prolia (denomusab) side effect’s

[Sugargum]

I had exactly the same experience .. I'm 56 and gp put me straight onto prolia after 1 dexa scan (-3.5 in spine and femur).. I got a second opinion before second injection and this gp got me to try HRT and a weekly dose of actonel.. I'm feeling alot more confident now and working gentle strength based exercise program.

[Deb967]

I had 1 Prolia back in Feb 2024. I had a lot of side effects so I didn’t go for my 2nd one 6 months later. Instead after 9 months I had Reclast infusion. 12 hours later I passed out hit my head hard. Then started to tremble when I came through. Had all the symptoms of the flu along with a fever for 3 days. Dr said No more Reclast. I agree.