Was On Vivelle And Progesterone. After Stopping Lost Weight. Will That Effect Ostepenia?
I was on Vivelle and Progesterone for 3 years. I felt great (am now 62) and with XXXXXXX pressure from my gynecologist I discontinued it about a month ago. Now I've lost about five lbs. and am wondering what effect this is having on my bones since I have osteopenia. Is there a down-side to just resuming it. Of cours, I'll tell my MD's. a other symptom going off are occasional night sweats.
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Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your query.
HRT ( effect on bones.
Weight loss by itself does not affect bones, as bone density is not dependent on body weight.
Generally, HRT is not recommended beyond 3 - 5 years because of associated side effects , specially in women above 62.
The main risk is of having thrombosis ( blood clots ) in the peripheral veins, and ultimately to your lungs and heart.
There is increased risk of certain cancers like breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
Also, the risk of stroke and heart disease ( blockage of the arteries ) is increased.
Due to these side effects, HRT is generally stopped after 3 - 5 years of use.
It should be gradually discontinued and not stopped out cold.
Also, for osteopenia, there are various other therapeautic options apart from HRT , such as biphosphonates, calcitonin, vitamin D .
Regular exercise, dietary modification, which includes incorporating foods XXXXXXX in calcium and vitamin D , cessation of alcohol and smoking - all these go a long way in building up bone mass.
All the best.
Please feel free to ask further follow up questions.
A more specific question I still have is: when you go off the meds. do you often lose weight? I gained a little a couple of years ago when i began but not as much as I lost in the last month. Unfortunately the MD had me go 'cold turkey' and instead prescribed a vaginal tablet called Vagifem - I think just for dryness...
Appreciate your help on this complex and ever-evolving question.
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Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for your appreciation.
Regarding your belief about bioidentical hormones - please do go through the following link -
WWW.WWWW.WW They are not considered in any way safer than traditional HRT.
You do not generally lose weight after stopping HRT, but with HRT, there is gradual gain of weight, which you would once the medication is stopped.
Many practitioners feel the " cold XXXXXXX " way is better than gradual tapering, and Vagifem contains vaginal estrogen, which combats the local effects of less hormones, but does not have systemic side effects.
Take care.