 Posted 09/12/2009 12:08:31
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| I was diagnosed with osteoporosis (caused by total hysterectomy at 26yrs, I am now 44yrs) in April and my Consultant put me back on HRT (estradiol) as the treatment. I had not been taking it recently due to side effects. From the posts I have read everyone seems to be on drug therapy for osteoporosis as well as calcichews. Is it normal just to be treated with HRT and nothing else? Thanks
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Posted 09/12/2009 15:29:42
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| Dear Minxy14 Thanks for your post, this is an issue that is often raised on the helpline. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed for women with osteoporosis who are under the age of 50 and have had an early menopause or hysterectomy with ovaries removed. This is because the oestrogen supply that was cut off when your ovaries were removed is protective to bone prior to the menopause, and HRT replaces it. HRT is not generally recommended to treat osteoporosis in women after the age of 50 as there are other effective treatments available for older women with fewer adverse effects. Please click here for our Drug Treatments leaflet which contains more information about these. HRT increases the risk of breast cancer, strokes and blood clots when taken after the age of 50 which can make it unsuitable for older women. Calcium and vitamin D supplements such as Calcichew are often prescribed alongside treatments for osteoporosis. If you feel you are unable to obtain the calcium you require from your diet you may like to discuss the possibility of a supplement with your doctor which you can take with your HRT. Please see our leaflet entitled Healthy Bones Facts about Food for information about calcium requirements and the foods from which it can be obtained. When you get to the age of 50 you will need to discuss your osteoporosis management further with your Consultant as it is then that a reassessment of treatment would be useful. Best wishes
Best wishesHelpline Nurses
National Osteoporosis Society
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