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[Stockport1965]

I was really hoping at the age of 55 (probably went through menopause at 44ish) that I could go on HRT for my newly diagnosed osteoporosis.

GP said after the age of 51, I can't

My T score is -3.1 spine and -1.6 hip. The 1st GP I spoke to said that I was borderline for meds but when I made another appointment for another GP, he said I should start now.

It is the dreaded Alendronic Acid that he wants me to take and the more I read, the more I want to bury myself under a duvet! I really don't know what to do.
I am going to ring the OP nurses at ROS to see what they say.

My gut is saying to me, to do all the new exercise programme as prescribed with the correct diet & supplements and have a private DEXA scan in 12 months to see if I go into the Osteopenic region again. (-1 and -2.5 )

Thoughts please, especially from anyone that has taken the meds

[Tinkerbell]

What is reason  you can't take HRT now, i am confused. I started HRT at age of 52, my MIL was prescribed HRT for her osteoporosis when she was over 60 but that was about 25 years ago.

[Stockport1965]

What is reason  you can't take HRT now, i am confused. I started HRT at age of 52, my MIL was prescribed HRT for her osteoporosis when she was over 60 but that was about 25 years ago.

He said that they don't give it to women over 51 anymore. However, I have just read on the British Menopause Society that HRT remains licensed for osteoporosis prevention and can be considered the treatment of choice for women starting treatment below age 60 years, and especially for those with a premature menopause.

Perhaps I should get another opinion.?? I need to explore every avenue before taking this drug

[Taz2]

I think that the reason you can't take HRT is that not all of them are licenced to be used for oesteoporosis and then there are certain conditions that have to be met.  It would be prescribable if you need treatment for other meno symptoms such as hot flushes, VA etc. Have you visited this site? https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/#:~:text=HRT%20for%20osteoporosis%20usually%20combines,pain%20caused%20by%20broken%20bones.

Taz x

[Stockport1965]

I think that the reason you can't take HRT is that not all of them are licenced to be used for oesteoporosis and then there are certain conditions that have to be met.  It would be prescribable if you need treatment for other meno symptoms such as hot flushes, VA etc. Have you visited this site? https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/#:~:text=HRT%20for%20osteoporosis%20usually%20combines,pain%20caused%20by%20broken%20bones.

Taz x

I did discuss with him that I have "mild" flushes - nothing worse than that. We then went on to discuss that I should continue with Vagifem 4x weekly with Ovestin externally, so he knows I have VA.
I became a member of the ROS and I'll ring a nurse on Monday to see what they advise as well.

[Katejo]

I was really hoping at the age of 55 (probably went through menopause at 44ish) that I could go on HRT for my newly diagnosed osteoporosis.

GP said after the age of 51, I can't

My T score is -3.1 spine and -1.6 hip. The 1st GP I spoke to said that I was borderline for meds but when I made another appointment for another GP, he said I should start now.

It is the dreaded Alendronic Acid that he wants me to take and the more I read, the more I want to bury myself under a duvet! I really don't know what to do.
I am going to ring the OP nurses at ROS to see what they say.

My gut is saying to me, to do all the new exercise programme as prescribed with the correct diet & supplements and have a private DEXA scan in 12 months to see if I go into the Osteopenic region again. (-1 and -2.5 )

Thoughts please, especially from anyone that has taken the meds

I started HRT patches at 56. The main reason was VA but I also had mild osteopenia and I wanted to prevent it getting any worse. I had had a Dexa scan in autumn 2018 which showed the osteopenia. I haven't yet had another one so I don't know whether it has made any difference.

[CherrySG]

I started hrt t at 56 also, due to being unable to manage VA with Vagifem.

Maybe a different GP would prescribe it? I have never heard of being ineligible for hrt at 51.

[CLKD]

Have a look at the Royal Osteoporosis Society web-site?

[sheila99]

There is supposed to be a 'window of opportunity' fot hrt to help your bones. I *think* it's age 60 or 10 years post meno. Hurdity will be able to tell you if you can't find it elsewhere.
Age 51 is nonsense, I started it at 57 though I was peri. Maybe see a different gp and invent some more symptoms, or try an osteoporosis specialist. You should have been offered hrt long ago as you were so young at meno.

[Stockport1965]

There is supposed to be a 'window of opportunity' fot hrt to help your bones. I *think* it's age 60 or 10 years post meno. Hurdity will be able to tell you if you can't find it elsewhere.
Age 51 is nonsense, I started it at 57 though I was peri. Maybe see a different gp and invent some more symptoms, or try an osteoporosis specialist. You should have been offered hrt long ago as you were so young at meno.

GP admitted in hindsight that I should have had it.🙄

[Limpy]

Hi Stockport

I have Osteoporosis (T -2.7 in hip - spine is fine)

As the other have said, the 51 age cut off is nonsense - speak to your (or another GP) and emphasise hot flushes and VA just to get HRT full stop.

I tried Alendronic acid - did not get on with it at all. Eventually I got Denosumab twice yearly injections, still feel a bit off but it's far easier to tolerate that the Bisphosnonates. The thing is Alendronic acid has to be tried first before they will consider other approaches.

The NOS nurse helpline has provided wonderful help in the past - the last time I rang them the number was 0808 800 0035. Might be worth giving them a call.

[gillybilly]

Hi
I'm in the same postion
I was aboutb 43 when I had my menopause, I'm nearly 51 now
I had a dexa scan 3 years ago which showed osteopenia  in the spine, went to see Dr, who told me that although 43 was early hrt was for pre 40s according to nice guidelines so wouldn't prescribe  it.
Had another dexa scan last month, and gone from -1.6 to -2
I think i need another chat

Bloody drs are supposed  to help

[sheila99]

Gillybilly if your gp won't help you can ask for a referral to a menopause clinic. I would suggest you start having hot flushes and a few other symptoms.

[Stockport1965]

Hi
I'm in the same postion
I was aboutb 43 when I had my menopause, I'm nearly 51 now
I had a dexa scan 3 years ago which showed osteopenia  in the spine, went to see Dr, who told me that although 43 was early hrt was for pre 40s according to nice guidelines so wouldn't prescribe  it.
Had another dexa scan last month, and gone from -1.6 to -2
I think i need another chat

Bloody drs are supposed  to help

is that hip or spine?
did you have the 2nd dexa on the same machne?

[menomope]

I am 57 and take HRT for my bone health. I had a DEXA scan a few years ago that showed I have borderline osteopenia/osteoperosis. I also need it for other menopausal symptoms. It will be reviewed at aged 60 . I was offered the Alendronic Acid but I read up about it and I didnt want to take it unless absolutely necessary. My Dr at the time agreed I could try the HRT until aged 60 and have a scan to see how and if my bone health had improved or at least stabilized. I have moved since and have been prescribed HRT by different Doctors. None of whom have blinked an eyelid on my being on HRT.
I also, initially, went to see a private menopause specialist consultant who looked at my DEXA scan results and discussed treatment options. She advised HRT too. At the time I was 55.
 I think the reason HRT isnt on the list of recommended treatments was because of the risks associated with HRT . Not because it doesnt work.
A second opinion via a specialist is always good. It really put my mind at rest. I hate using private channels but I had to go down that route as I needed that specialist input and answers that my Dr could not give. With covid these can be telephone calls and so easier.