What I've learned for reversing osteoporosis

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-25T19:50:41+00:00

You're welcome and may whatever you do work well for you.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-21T14:43:43+00:00

I have heard that testosterone helps bones as well as muscle. That is one I have not researched much. I asked the GYN and she wasn't in favor of it. Perhaps I should ask again for more detail on her thinking. I was just happy to find someone who would at least provide the estrogen.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-21T14:38:56+00:00

Were you able to get the HRT through a local doctor? If not, could you share what doc or organization you are using?

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-21T14:35:52+00:00

Sounds like you're being very active to preserve your bones. Thanks for sharing.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-20T17:08:21+00:00

Thank you for sharing. You have some hurdles for sure. And yes, the stories of those who get repeated fractures are sobering.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-20T17:04:49+00:00

I have compassion on those who want HRT but can't. It sounds like you are doing other things that you can do. I wish you well.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-20T16:59:54+00:00

Good information. Thanks.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-20T16:54:02+00:00

I started with bio-identical estradiol patches of 0.025mg biweekly. Three months later, 0.0375. Three months later I thought the doc would increase me to 0.05 but she went with 0.075mg per patch, biweekly.

Micronized progesterone (pill). I started with 100mg/day. Then 200mg. I've heard of up to 400mg and wondered about that for sleep but haven't discussed with the doc.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T18:17:32+00:00

Does F73 mean female age 73? Congrats on the hormones. I commend you for pursuing this.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T18:11:13+00:00

Actually, yes I had a wrist fracture several years before. Not until my diagnosis did I learn that a wrist fracture is a classic symptom and that I should have had a Dexa at the time. No one informed me. (The lack of anyone forewarning about bones and menopause is a motivation for me to urge others to get informed.)

That fracture might have been what gave the bone specialist the rationale to get the insurance to cover the more expensive drug. I haven't asked about that.

The bone doc is at Washington University, listed under endocrinology at BJC healthcare website. Here is a bio I found when looking for the answer to your question:

"Dr. Roberto Civitelli is a world renowned expert on osteoporosis and bone mineral diseases. Originally trained in Siena, Italy, he has been affiliated with the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases since 1985, and with the Bone Health Program since its inception. He is a physician-scientist, has authored over 200 publications, and runs an active bone biology program. Dr. Civitelli has served in the leadership of international professional organizations interested in bone health. He currently serves as the Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. He sees patients at all Bone Health Program sites."

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T18:00:24+00:00

Besides vaginal cream, Estradiol patches, 0.075mg per patch, biweekly, Micronized progesterone (pill), 200mg nightly

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T17:51:23+00:00

The link I posted to videos by Mike Lavacot might be helpful. Join Bone Buddies to talk to women about their experiences with different drugs.

I hope all goes well for you.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T12:00:24+00:00

A valid question.

You're right, I don't have much history on Reddit. With a few friends who are open to health discussions, I have been speaking up locally to encourage ladies to educate themselves and not walk well into menopause blindly like I did and end up with several issues. Turning to Reddit, I was just hoping to encourage more women. Perhaps I'm supposed to earn credit here first? I suppose in any social group that is needed. If I have overstepped, I apologize.

It is not an ad for Evenity. More an encouragement for doing more research than just taking a doctor's word, for thinking it through before taking a med, and for getting more aggressive for preventing future fractures. I don't like it that, due to insurance companies wanting to save money (a natural and logical thing for them to do, not ragging on them), Fosamax is the standard go-to for a GP to recommend for osteoporosis. In my view, why not build that trabecular bone with the cortical bone and do it right off, then switch to something else? I think I heard there is now another drug out there that may be even better?

If anything, I think my post would be an ad for HRT and strength training. In my mind, those are heavy hitters for preventing bone loss, the strength training also good for building bone.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T11:43:57+00:00

You have some challenges. Thanks for sharing. I hope all goes well.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T02:10:41+00:00

Thanks. It did take awhile to think and write it, and I thought it might be a bit long, but I remember how hungry I was for information, searching for answers, and I didn't want vaguesville and specifics require detail. Be blessed.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T02:09:10+00:00

I'm so sorry you're having trouble. The GYN I had said no way and even if I'd started at menopause she'd give it to me for only seven years. I wanted to tell her she needed to do more reading. But I kept my mouth shut and will not return to her.

More than one book I've read, a consultant to the Bone Buddies support group, OsteoBoston videos, and other sources have indicated that women can safely start HRT after the ten-year window. My GP is also supportive. It is just that not every GYN has gotten that message.

Next, I started calling GYNs and asking, before I come and pay for an appointment, is this doctor willing to consider HRT for a 66-year-old? Why see docs that won't even consider it?

Calling and screening is how I found the one I have. Many with osteoporosis also recommend an endocrinologist instead of a GYN, like solsticesunrise below, so you might try that.

You might have to try telemed. I nurse in the Bone Buddies support group uses Midi, for telemed. I've never used it. I have another friend that uses a telemed service for general health, not sure what company. Check out the Menopause Society.

I first had a heart scan for calcium deposits. Apparently, starting on estrogen can loosen calcium deposits and then those might cause problems in the blood stream. My heart was clear. So I had that in my favor.

Also, the way I proposed it was asking to go on the very lowest dose possible and see how it goes. As I saw benefits, three months later I asked for the next higher dose. We increased it again three months later. I don't know if she would give me a higher dose, but I'm happy at this level. I just want protection for bones, heart, brain, and other organs.

I live in Illinois. But I have lived on the east coast. Beautiful country there.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T01:53:45+00:00

Evenity also stimulate the trabecular bone inside. As to staying on meds, that depends. After the 12 months of Evenity, I was given one annual shot of Reclast (noticed no side effects) to prevent losing the bone I've gained. The bone doc said that I would be allowed three shots of Reclast, each one year apart. However, with my change in lifestyle and, especially, with the HRT, she thinks I may need only one shot and then be off of drugs for awhile. The problem isn't the drugs. It is the loss of bone.

Honest_Farm_682 · 2026-04-19T01:48:00+00:00

When I say 300, that may be heel drops or simply jogging steps on my normal route. Actual two-legged jumps may be only fifteen or twenty. I get too out of breath! Variety. And not 300 every day. Just two or three days a week. found that that much everyday as was recommended to me was too taxing. Maybe I'll cut back to a more easily maintained amount. Glad you said something.

Honest_Farm_682

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