At age 57 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, and advised to take bisphononates. I declined, stating well documented studies of negative side effects with long term use. I might consider them at age 87, but not at 57. With the help of another physician, and a compounding pharmacy, I have been using compounded bi-est cream, progesterone and thyroid, for the past 11 years, and I have had very little change in my bone density. Two very pleasant and welcome side effects to using BHRT is a great reduction in hot flashes (from 30+ per day to 1 or 2 per month) and better sleep.