Question: MY QUESTION: Should I continue taking MENEST as a means of controlling bone loss? I have been taking Menest 0.3 mg since 2000 after radical hysterectomy. My new (Primary Care Dr) insists that I stop taking Menest, which is in direct conflict with my recently retired Rheumatologist. Began taking the Menest 0.3mg, prescribed by OB/GYN, after a total hysterectomy several years ago. OB/GYN retired and my Rheumatologist (who is also an Internist and Osteopath) continued with the therapy. I have Osteopenia, and have broken bones in my foot, have skeletal problems in hands, feet, hips, back and knees. I had Spinal Surgery in 2010 on my L4 and L5 discs. My Rheumatologist recommended that I continue the Menest therapy for the long term. He said he has given it, long term to women in their 70's and 80's to protect against brittle bone fractures. I have never had any problems with Menest. The company stopped production for about a year and I was given another estrogen,but I did NOT tolerate it and did not take it. Once Menest came back on the market, my Rheumatologist proscribed it for me. I have lost 4 inches in my height since my hysterectomy. Last year (early 2016) when my Rheumatologist retired, he suggested that I need to continue Menest. He said the need to continue out weights the risks to my back and feet. I had a mild stroke in 1998, was placed on Warfarin and have my PT/INR monitored monthly. That was another reason that the Rheumatologist said it would be fine to continue Menest. He said it has not interfered with my Warfarin therapy and since I have my levels monitored, he feels it is safe for me to continue. NOW, my Primary Care Doctor insists that I discontinue the use of Menest. He said I can take other medications to control my bone loss. I maintain that since I have not had any problems with Menest, it is better to continue taking it, instead of trying another medicine. I do not tolerate many medications. I have allergies to several medicines (sulfa drugs, statins (Zocor, Simvistatin, Lipitor, Crestor-I ended up in the ER after one dose of Crestor). I have severe hair loss which started after taking the various Statin drugs. Hair has been better since stopping all statins. I have Raynaud's Phenom. and take a combination of Vasotec and Procardia XL to control some severe symptoms. Many years ago, I had Myocarditis but was treated and regained my health. I have had many issues with blood problems,skeletal problems, allergies that I don't want to change my medications. They are working and everytime my PCP pushes a new drug my way, I end up have a reaction to them (specifically talking about th eStatin drugs for high BP). I would like to share your comments with my PCP. I look forward to your reply. Thank you
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