Too Old For HRT: # 2 No Bones About it!

It’s been about a week since my first post, so I’m checking in.

My biggest health concern as I age, (so far,) is my bone health, including my bone density.

In 2021 I had my first bone scan and was diagnosed at that time with Osteopenia. I recently had another scan, and over the past three years, I have lost more bone density despite taking Calcium, D3, Vit K, Collagen with Fortibone, and walking at least 2.5 miles up and downhills, 3-4 times week on average. Bummer!

I’m sharing this information with you so that you’re familiar with the details of bone health. It’s vital that you’re informed about this part of aging for women and how important it is to care for your bones.

I’m still in the range of osteopenia, but I’m quickly approaching osteoporosis. Yikes!

Physicians and researchers know estrogen plays a key role in bone health and the building of new bone.

There is research that indicates that post-menopausal women treated with transdermal estrogen, plus progesterone slowed reabsorption of bone (a normal process that accelerates post menopause) and had an increase in bone mineral density, (built more bone). You can find the link to that study in the first post from this series.

To me, it’s worth a try because I have so many problems with my spine.

I don't want you to feel sorry for me, I want you to get busy taking care of your bones; if I can do it you can too.

I found out at my recent bone scan, that due to scoliosis and spinal compaction, I have lost three inches in height! This explains why every holiday when I would hug my kids and say, “Are you still getting taller or am I getting shorter?” Now I know.  Ah, ha!

No wonder everything is collecting around my middle!

Both of my grandmothers were barely five feet tall. When I went to college, I was 5’5” inches, now I'm barely 5’2”; I’m quickly becoming my grandmothers!

One of the actions that orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Vonda Wright suggests for women to build and keep strong bones is lifting heavy weight at the gym. Using weight machines and lifting heavyweight stimulates your bone density.

I rejoined the gym. 🔥 💪🏼 💪🏼

I’m still having trouble getting my schedule organized to get to the gym, but I’m working on it! I’ve been a few times but not as often as I need to go.

I promised those who asked that I would share my HRT prescriptions and supplement regimen with you. Please remember that these dosages have been customized for me by my doctor and the prescriptions are filled at a compounding pharmacy. Your menopause specialist or OBGY will determine what is best for you. The same is true for supplements; please check with your doctor to find out what is appropriate for you.

My HRT Prescription

I am using transdermal vaginal creams in the morning:

Estradiol/Estriol    E2/E3 0.3:1.2 MG/GM.

Testosterone 1MG/GM

REG Progesterone, Capsules 150 MG at night

Thyroid Meds

Armor Thyroid 60mg

I started on the hormones two weeks ago, stopped eating gluten as ordered by my new doctor,  because of my thyroid autoimmune issues, and started back on a weight loss program. Now my hip joint pain is gone. Woo Hoo! My dual knee pain is now only one knee and improving with chiropractic, ice, ibuprofen, and self-tortuous massage. As soon as the pain in the knee goes, I’ll be able to use the weight machines at the gym for my legs again. Oh Joy!

I am also dealing with being very tired, more exhausted than usual. I'm hoping that this will ease as my weight drops and my gut clears out.

Do supplements help? I don’t know, but I take them with a healthy portion of hope. Again, there are studies that show . . .

Here is the list of supplements I take. I got in the habit of taking them from being on restricted calorie diets to be sure I get the nutrients I need. Now it’s habit.

Daily

Tumeric- 1500 mg (joints and systemic inflammation)

Magnesium L- Theronate -  3 capsules ( brain and cognition)

A Complete Probiotic- 1 capsule. (gut and whole-body connection to gut)

Krill Oil -2 capsules (heart and circulatory system)

Vitamin K with MK-7- 1 capsule (bones)

D3 4000 IU’s (bones, and whole-body health)

Osteoboost Collagen with Fortibone (bones, joints, and skin)

Citrical Max Plus 650 MG (bones)

Super Gut Prebiotic Fiber Mix, A Natural GLP-1 Booster ((gut and whole-body connection to gut)

Emergen-C   Mix in powder - 1000 MG Vit C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12 (whole body, immunity)

That’s my update for this week’s journey of "Too Old for HRT." Shoot me an email and let me know how you’re doing and what you’re doing to stay healthy during

Regency: Your Power Years 45-70+

Namasté,

Dr. A.

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