Osteoporosis and HRT

[misscockerspaniel]

Is anyone using HRT as a medication for osteoporosis? Thanks

Why? Are you?

Not at present but am v tempted to. Suspect my doctor (who I am speaking to this week) will suggest I start alendronic acid (or something similar) for osteoporosis but having researched this online, I really do not want to take. But I am happy to take HRT but my doctor does not want to prescribe this because I have no other symptoms other than the occasional hot flush, I get hormone-induced migraines (none since the menopause) and both parents had heart disease. The HRT would be purely to help combat osteoporosis. I am 57.

I'm not sure HRT will be much use for combating osteoporosis...if you have been advised to take alendronic acid, I would because the long term benefits far outweigh the side effects that you aren't likely to get anyway. I know this because I am going through early menopause at 41. I feel rubbish about having to pop so many pills, but I need to maintain my calcium levels. I have been prescribed vitamin D tabs too. The alendronic acid sucks that back into your bones, not the HRT tabs x

Curious78 Are you getting any side effects from alendronic acid (if you are on it) - thanks.

@misscockerspaniel Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis? How bad is it? (Your T score?)
Have you had fractures or just a scan for diagnosis?

@Curious78 I'm not sure HRT will be much use for combating osteoporosis

What you have said is incorrect. The drugs you mention do not suck back calcium into the bones- far from it. What those drugs do is stop bone turnover. That means that the normal process of osteoblasts and osteoclasts dying and being replaced, is stopped and the old bone stays in the bone and gets hard. There is a lot of controversy over this because there is research showing women end up with bones that can fracture more easily.

I really hope you are not using these drugs at 41! At your age you ought to be using hrt. That is the treatment for early menopause. Have you seen a specialist? Estrogen is needed to get calcium and strength into your bones. I am quite worried for you if your GP is managing this, as it's not the right treatment unless you have advanced osteoporosis now and even then you would be using HRT as well for your heart as well as your bones. (I have written about this for the media.)

@misscockerspaniel HRT is licensed for use for low bone density in women under 60 who cannot use other drugs or whose osteoporosis is not severe. Has your GP referred you to a rheumatologist? I can PM you as I don't want to put my medical history on the web.

@jinglinghellsballs I have had a DEXA bone scan and a lot of specialists discussing my case. Are you a specialist at all? I appreciate your concerns

@JinglingHellsBells - T-Score -2.5 (spine and hips). I have asked for a referral to a local rheumatologist but want to get my ducks in a row before I speak with my doctor next week. He has previously dismissed HRT and suggested alendronic acid.

@Curious78 I have my own personal experience and I am a health writer, so to write those articles for the press I interview specialists and talk to women who have had/ got health issues.

Has no one suggested HRT to you for heart and brain protection? Have you heard of the Daisy Network which is run by specialists for women with early menopause? NICE guidelines say women with POI should receive hrt. Top of this page- NICE guidance.

@Curious78 In the NICE guidelines pinned on this forum, the section about POI (premature ovarian insufficiency - early menopause) is at point 1.6.6. Worth reading for the guidance on HRT and how it should be offered.

I already take it. I don't have a lot of choice at my age.

@jinglinghellsbells thank you though

@Curious78 So sorry if I assumed you were not using hrt. It was when you made comments to the other poster about it not helping with bone density that I assumed you were not using it and were only using other types of drugs. Obviously if you have had severe bone loss at 40-ish you may need all sorts of treatment.

I am. I'm 36 and had a total hysterectomy 3 years ago. I was discharged after my hysterectomy witout any information at all on HRT. My GP (who specialises in endocrinology) wanted to start me on HRT for bone health and to protect against heart disease but I was reluctant. I'd broken my wrist and elbow a few months before my hysterectomy so she said she'd send me for a Dexa scan and then we'd discuss HRT again.

The Dexa scan showed that I already had advanced osteoporosis in my hips and spine and I was referred to a consultant.
The consultant said I was too young to start Alendronic Acid so my GP started me on oestrogel, androfeme and adcal straight away. I've just had a another Dexa scan last Wednesday (was due to have it in January but...Corona) and my scores have improved. I'm over the moon!

CecilyBlue I am so glad for you that your scores have improved. What a good thing that your GP was on the ball.

Thank you and yes my GP is fab! She believes that every woman (if they can tolerate it) should be on HRT for bone and heart health even if they have been through the menopause years earlier without HRT.
Infact my Mum (who went through the menopause without HRT 10 years ago) changed surgerys to mine about six months ago and as she has osteoporosis my GP started her on HRT straight away.
She has an Instagram page you could look at called the Manchester Menopause. She's very good at answering questions on there.

I wish I had your GP and I will checkout the website, thanks.

@CecilyBlue

Thank you and yes my GP is fab! She believes that every woman (if they can tolerate it) should be on HRT for bone and heart health even if they have been through the menopause years earlier without HRT. Infact my Mum (who went through the menopause without HRT 10 years ago) changed surgerys to mine about six months ago and as she has osteoporosis my GP started her on HRT straight away. She has an Instagram page you could look at called the Manchester Menopause. She's very good at answering questions on there.

I know this was a long time ago. Did your mum benefit from the hrt. After such a long delay after menopause