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I have osteoporosis, and my doctor is prescribing for me Forteo, as well as Activella. I am concerned about the side effects of the Activella and am seeking a natural estrogen replacement alternative. Yet, I have not had effective results with natural estrogen alternatives in the past. Do I have to have the estrogen replacement therapy in order for the Forteo to work, or will Forteo work just as effectively, regardless of whether or not I am taking estrogen replacement?

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 44

Already Tried:
Premarin/Provera for 2 years, and natural hormone replacement for 9 years. (I had early menopause)

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $3

Hello,

You will have a better result with both.

I know how you feel about takin medication and the potential side effects. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks and in this case, taking the medication would be much better than chancing the progression of your osteoporosis.

Here is some info, let me know if you have questions:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/DS00128

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoporosis/HQ00643

https://www.healthenvelope.com/healthenvelope/page/osteopoptions

Reply to Deborah's Post: Thank you, Deborah. My DHEA levels are also very low (65), and the naturopath I am working with said this is probably why I am not absorbing the natural estrogens. Can low DHEA levels also keep me from absorbing the estrogens in Activella, or do these get absorbed by everybody?

No, it is unlikely as the estrogens in Activella act differently.

I would suggest to continue working with your naturopath, but also continue takin the Forteo and Activella to determine if there is any significant difference in the progression of your osteoporosis.

Perhaps in the future, you could discontine one or both, or change to something like Fosamax or Actonel.

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