HRT and women over 70

[Wyaatch]

Hi all— I read that they offer hormone therapy in Europe, ( even to older women in their 70’s) but not in the US. I asked an Osteo doc in the US why and and she said because we’re not Europe! That’s all! Can anyone offer any experiences along with other ALTERNATIVES to the current batch of Osteo meds? I had another very painful fracture last August and still feel tightness in February.

[laniado]

hello. I just wanted to say that I’m USA based and take HRT. I’ve had no problems with it and I’m in my 70’s They tried to take it away from me and I lost bone density and had an unexplained fracture during an emergency hospital stay. It’s a long story but I insisted on staying on HRT. I’ve since tried the patches but feel better on the pills. Getting HRT depends on your family history for breast cancer etc.

[Shika1945 in reply to laniado]

I agree ! I am 77 and take HRT. When I went off of it 6 years ago is when I developed osteoporosis. I take the smallest dose of estradiol and have no history of breast cancer in the family

[FearFracture in reply to laniado]

How long after menopause did you start HRT. I went through premature menopause a few decades ago and didn’t get HRT. I’m now 54 and was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 50. I’ve finally found an OB/GYN willing to prescribe HRT even though it’s been way more than 10 yrs since I went through menopause. I’m still trying to decide if I should try it. I would probably go with the patch—I’ve heard it’s less linked to cancer.

[laniado in reply to FearFracture]

I started it with various things until a year after my surgery I was on estradiol. It’s probably been 25 years years. In 2018 my doctor got me to take it less often which was a big mistake for me. I went back on my daily dose in April 2020.

[yogalibrarian]

Here's the important question -- are they starting women in their 70s on HT or are they allowing women who are already on HT to continue it into their 70s. Those are really different things.

I believe that the current protocol is to start healthy women (under age 60) on HT within 10 years of menopause. The guidance also seems to suggest that it may not be necessary to stop after a fixed period.

But consider that starting HT in your 70s is not a magic bullet that can erase 20 years of normal, age-related bone loss. And previous fracture(s) puts you in a whole different category. Previous fracture creates a major risk of additional fracture. That is where the meds become crucial.

Here is a link to the guidance in Endocrinology Today based on the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. healio.com/news/endocrinolo...

[FearFracture in reply to yogalibrarian]

I went through premature menopause a few decades ago and didn’t get HRT. I’m now 54 and was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 50. I’ve finally found an OB/GYN willing to prescribe HRT even though it’s been way more than 10 yrs since I went through menopause. Do you have any thought on this. I’m don’t expect HRT to increase my BMD, or get me back to “peak” BMD, I’m only wanting to use it to hopefully curtail additional bone loss and to give me a chance to improve my bones naturally via diet and weights.

[violetangel1111]

I went on HRT for bones right after menopause at age 58. After 2 years on HRT, I developed breast precancer and was told to stop taking it because cancer is a side effect of HRT. It was a very scary experience and I am sorry I ever took the HRT because I have an ugly scar from the surgery and I am now at a slightly higher risk of getting breast cancer. No one in my entire extended family has ever had breast cancer. I am currently getting 1200 mgs of calcium from food and seeing a physical therapist who follows the LIFTMOR program for bones. No drugs for me. I wish you all the best.

[KMR2 in reply to violetangel1111]

where did you find a PT who follows the LIFTMOR protocol? I cannot find anyone who knows anything about it.

[violetangel1111 in reply to KMR2]

I had been searching for quite some time to find a PT nearby who specializes in osteoporosis (was not searching for someone who followed the LIFTMOR protocol), but was so thrilled to learn that she followed the LIFTMOR protocol.

[Hidden in reply to violetangel1111]

Are you in US? If so, what part of country? I have not found any PTs in my large metro that really know how to work with high risk, prior fractured osteoporosis patients. It is so discouraging.

[violetangel1111 in reply to Hidden]

I am sorry you are having difficulty finding a knowledgeable PT. I live in Connecticut. Where are you located?

[Hidden in reply to violetangel1111]

Texas