osteoporosis

i have passed meopause by 5 years and have had decline in bone density - actenol and weight bearing exercise not enough - doctor wants me to try a estradio/progest 30 mg creamhormone made for me in combination with actenol and exercise.  what are side effects and thoughts?  thxs.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Before trying to add more medication, ask your doctor to draw a blood test for vitamin D. The level should be at least 40. There are also other potential problems such as hyperparathyroid disease which could be a problem for you. These problems could be why the Actenol alone isn't helping. Some women are on both estrogen and bone building medications and that isn't the typical situation but is not uncommon.

Machelle M. Seibel, MD