The risks of estrogen replacement are as great (or greater) for the average woman than any benefits. It's entirely up to a woman to decide on her own, with the help of her physician.

Next time you see your primary, you might ask for a vitamin D blood level test. Without good blood levels of D, the calcium won't help much.

I have to take high dose prescription D because I take meds that interfere with the body's ability to absorb D properly. After of a year of taking high dose D, my blood levels finally reached normal and my bone density improved dramatically.

Many drugs, including some psychiatric drugs and sedatives. interfere with vitamin D in the body.

I always had more than the recommended dose of D in my diet, but it wasn't enough because of my meds. If the doc tests your levels and they're normal, you can smile at your mom and tell her you've worked with your doctor on the issue and she doesn't have to worry.