No experience with this particular situation but know that when it comes to hormone supplementation, bio-identical makes the most sense (ETA: if bio-identical means natural not synthetic hormones. I'm in Canada and don't know how much our regulations vary with the USA when it comes to doctor-prescribed hormonal therapies.). Don't neglect weight-bearing exercises in your health equation. (No need for a gym for these. A simple routine of body weight exercises can be done at home and walking is weight bearing as well.)

From the Health Harvard website (italics mine):

"Numerous studies have shown that strength training can play a role in slowing bone loss, and several show it can even build bone. This is tremendously useful to help offset age-related declines in bone mass. Activities that put stress on bones can nudge bone-forming cells into action. That stress comes from the tugging and pushing on bone that occur during strength training (as well as weight-bearing aerobic exercises like walking or running). The result is stronger, denser bones.

And strength training, in particular, has bone benefits beyond those offered by aerobic weight-bearing exercise. It targets bones of the hips, spine, and wrists, which are the sites most likely to fracture. What's more, resistance workouts — particularly those that include moves emphasizing power and balance — enhance strength and stability. That can boost confidence, encourage you to stay active, and reduce fractures another way — by cutting down on falls."

I have osteopenia, but this was never recommended.

While we wait here for more responses there is a doctor over at The Kitchen Table who often giives informaion on medical questions.

Have you considered HRT? There are many different doses and means of delivery the hormones in quite targeted ways- definitely not a one size fits all solution like in the olden days. I would discuss this further with my gyn. This is on my to-do list as well. I am 52 and absolutely plan on some form of HRT, though not the bioidentical version.

Can’t speak to the application, but i can speak to the meds.

Ask your doctor about Bijuva. It’s my new boyfriend. FDA approved bioidentical and covered by my insurance.

I have a strong prejudice against HRT, especially long-term use. My mother was on it for way too long...over 25 years and she thought she was OK as she'd had a complete hysterectomy and was on the lowest dose possible. Turns out there are certain lung cancers that have estrogen receptors similar to breast cancer. She got lung cancer and it was terminal.

As far as prolia just be aware that it can have the same side effects as other osteoporosis treatments including snapping femurs and jaw necrosis. It's supposed to be less than the others, but it's still a potential issue. DH was on it for 4 years, it did help his bones a lot, but then I got him off it as I was concerned about long-term use.

Annie-totally get that and so sorry to hear about your mom.

I was so resistant to the idea, but after two years of 2-5 hot flashes an hour, sweating buckets during client meetings, terrible sleep, brain fog and-in retrospect- depression I had to do something. Not sure how long I’ll stay on them, bit it was the right choice for me. I feel like myself again.

NOF is aware that some women are interested in taking hormones that are prepared especially for them by a compounding pharmacist. These medicines, called bioidentical hormones, contain the same active ingredients as ET and HT, but are not overseen by the FDA for the accuracy of contents or purity, as are FDA-approved medicines.

@Bookwoman's posted quote above threw me for a loop. I'm in Canada and from what I understand the term biodentical hormones means natural hormones, not synthetics. They are prescribed by doctors and fall under regulated medication. Sounds as if the definitions are different in our two countries. I do not want to lead anyone astray by my initial comment and apologize for my gross assumption. @cmm1964, I can certainly edit my statement.

Thanks to all who have replied to this thread. There is so much information to wade tnrough and it is very hard to make a decision. Internet searches often bring up pharmaceutical companies first during any searches regarding medications.