Treatment Plan - Osteoporosis Message Board

Cbarn24 · 08-23-2003, 08:43 AM

I am 52 and have been diagnosed with osteopenia about 6-7 years ago. I stopped taking HRT last year when all the negative publicity came out. I had a Bone Denisty on Thursday which showed my LSS was approaching the osteoporotic range and feel that I probably need to start some medication.I have refused meds to this point as you never know what the long term effects are ( I did all the research on HRT 7 years ago when I first started taking it and look where we are now)but now feel I do need to, despite the drawbacks. I am unsure which to take and have read about all of them. Any information, suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

jukeboy56 · 08-23-2003, 09:50 AM

You said: "...as you never know what the long term effects are..."

Well, we certainly know what the long term effects of doing nothing are: osteoporosis... fractures... broken hips... permanent disability... death.

Go to your doctor, get a prescription and start doing something about it. Whatever he prescribes won't be nearly as dangerous as not taking anything. Start doing some weight-bearing exercise too, but remember that alone won't fix the problem.

Just my opinion.

Zardoz · 08-23-2003, 08:28 PM

There are other treatments available for slowing the onset of osteoporosis.

I would recommend against HRT but to the possible side effects and the fact that HRT will not guarentee the prevention of osteoporosis anyway.

Calcium supplements and exercise.
No more smokes or alcohol

USAFMOM · 08-24-2003, 06:19 AM

My sister stopped taking HRT, the oral form, because of the new data out on it, after her hysterectomy. Now, her doc is prescribing for her a combination form of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone through a natural cream applied twice daily. This has worked very well thus far, no bad side effects as before with the oral HRT.

tootootired · 09-25-2003, 06:52 PM

I just had my 2nd DEXA scan (1st 2yrs ago). Depressingly, it shows my osteopenia has worsened. I refused to take the Actonel, but have been using progesterone cream and getting exercise 5 days a week. Now I feel that I'd better start the Actonel immediately. I'm 52 and don't want to be an old, fragile woman at my age!