Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: sofasurfer on July 18, 2018, 08:04:33 PM
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Damn, I am gutted.
Went for a dexa scan and it appears that I have osteoporosis. :'(
Although I've been having regular period till last year, I must have been peri for some years which my gp didn't put two and two together. He doesn't recognoise dizzyness as one of the meno symptoms so I'm not suprised though. ::)
Does anybody take medication for Osteoporosis? How long will it take for the density to go up? Or will it ever??
In the meanwhile, I've got a contraceptive pill prescribed. My GP said mini pill would be safer but I asked for combined pills as I had both estrogen and progesteron and something tells me that I should have both, not just one.
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You should have been given advice when the scan results came through. Maybe have a look at your over-all diet. Write down for 3 days everything you put into your mouth .........
There is an Osteoporosis Society, UK based but I think one has to pay for information :-\
Weight bearing exercise is good: 10 mins. brisk walking twice a day is a starting point. Do you dance? That can help ......... trampoline ;-).
Where on the body was the scan taken?
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You should have been given advice when the scan results came through. Maybe have a look at your over-all diet. Write down for 3 days everything you put into your mouth .........
There is an Osteoporosis Society, UK based but I think one has to pay for information :-\
Weight bearing exercise is good: 10 mins. brisk walking twice a day is a starting point. Do you dance? That can help ......... trampoline ;-).
Where on the body was the scan taken?
Scan was done on lumber and hip region.
No advice was given since the doctor interpretated the result as normal. My t-score was in the range of severe osteoporosis. :(
How am I to argue with the doctor who said it's normal?
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I'm confused too. What is your T score? It's ridiculous that you haven't been given any advice and help if you have got osteoporosis.
Taz x
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I take 70mg Alendronic Acid once a week for osteoporosis. I had a scan in January after breaking my foot. Both my (late) Mum and sister were/are sufferers so I presume it's hereditary. I will be scanned again in Jan 2020. Meanwhile, walking a lot and eating healthily.
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The Royal Osteoporosis Society has launched a new set of online videos and guides ranging from how exercise helps with osteoporosis and bone health, answering common questions, through to specific exercises to promote bone and muscle strength, balance, back pain after a spinal fracture, help with posture, moving and lifting safely, bending forward and Pilates.
The videos and guides are available at
https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/living-with-osteoporosis/exercise-and-physical-activity-with-osteoporosis
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Damn, I am gutted.
Went for a dexa scan and it appears that I have osteoporosis. :'(
Although I've been having regular period till last year, I must have been peri for some years which my gp didn't put two and two together. He doesn't recognoise dizzyness as one of the meno symptoms so I'm not suprised though. ::)
Does anybody take medication for Osteoporosis? How long will it take for the density to go up? Or will it ever??
In the meanwhile, I've got a contraceptive pill prescribed. My GP said mini pill would be safer but I asked for combined pills as I had both estrogen and progesteron and something tells me that I should have both, not just one.
Prevention of osteoporosis is one of my reasons for trying HRT patches. My recent DEXA scan only showed very mild osteopenia but I want to avoid it getting worse. I only got the HRT yesterday so can't comment on whether it will help. I am post meno so am trying Evorel Conti.
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Yet a Report from the US this week says that taking certain 'supplements' to counteract osteoporosis leaves people open for earlier cancers >:(. Damned if you do, damned if you don't ......... that Link looks like it might be hard work so I won't read it; yet :whist:
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Is there a difference between osteopena and osteoporosis?
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I think osteopena is pre-osteoporosis. i.e. showing signs but not fully blown.
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Maybe that's what sofasurfer heard :-\
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Maybe that's what sofasurfer heard :-\
No, lost me totally there.
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osteopenia rather than full osteoporosis? but she's disappeared :-\
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Hello ladies.
I understand the jury is out on increasing dairy to build strong bones. It seems that countries with the highest consumption also had the most hip fractures. Scientists now think that dairy products make the body too acidic so to counter this calcium is taken from the bones and this actually reduces bone density. Anyone thinking of changing their diet might want to do a bit of research.
Take care all.
K.
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:thankyou:
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Yes osteopenia is the precursor to osteoporosis - the term indicates a milder degree of bone loss. There is interesting info in the Oestrogen Matters book (Avrum Bluming & Carol Tavris) on bone health at/after menopause. Suggests that with the decline in sex hormones, care to include sufficient calcium in the diet may increase bone density, but without the elasticity of collagen the bones remain brittle. The distinction Bluming makes is between density & resilience, which he defines as the ability of bone to bend without breaking. So despite apparently sufficient density, fractures can still occur. Remember reading a study some years ago showing that because of their high boron content, prunes are very helpful for bone density if you can tolerate them :o. Think the research was funded by the Californian prune industry though!!
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Thanks Wrensong and Stellajane, interesting posts.
Stellajane, could be intervertebral discs? Made of cartilage I think.
JP x
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I think osteopena is pre-osteoporosis. i.e. showing signs but not fully blown.
Yes it is. My scan showed very mild osteopenia (still just within the normal range for my age).
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I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 53 and HRT was the recommended treatment at this age. I had just been referred to the menopause clinic because of severe VA. I was diagnosed with major osteopenia at 51 and was offered nothing except Vitamin D. My consultant said at 53 I was too young for bisphosphonates (osteoporosis medication) because you could only take it for a limited time and is best put off until your 60s. There are lots of lifestyle things you can probably do (and I can't) such as weight bearing exercise etc. You can check out the Royal Osteoporosis Society website and phone the nurse helpline — they are really nice and helpful. I know it's a shock to be diagnosed quite young so you have my sympathies.
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I have no idea whether the HRT is helping because I haven't had a scan since I started HRT. I brought it up at my last appointment at the Menopause Clinic and the doctor said that I should have another scan in a couple of years time. He didn't think there was any need to for now.
My difficulty is that because I am severely affected by ME/CFS I can't follow the advice to do weight bearing exercise, so that is working against me. I also have hereditary haemochromatosis, as does my sister who has osteopenia. Haemochromatosis is also a risk factor as excess iron builds up in the bone marrow and somehow affects bone formation. That's something else that is working against my favour. TBH I'm not expecting to prevent more bone loss, just trying to make the situation “less worseâ€. I've always made sure I had an adequate calcium intake and as a child and young adult I was quite physically active until ME happened, so it was a bit of a shock to find out that I had full blown osteoporosis at 53. I'm also quite slight in build and always have been, so that's a risk factor too. I suppose everyone's risks are going to vary. All I can say is that if I could do the enough physical activity then I would. We can't change our DNA and we can't change our physical history, but there are things we can do that MIGHT help. For me it's HRT and vitamin D, but YMMV!
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I have no idea whether the HRT is helping because I haven't had a scan since I started HRT. I brought it up at my last appointment at the Menopause Clinic and the doctor said that I should have another scan in a couple of years time. He didn't think there was any need to for now.
My difficulty is that because I am severely affected by ME/CFS I can't follow the advice to do weight bearing exercise, so that is working against me. I also have hereditary haemochromatosis, as does my sister who has osteopenia. Haemochromatosis is also a risk factor as excess iron builds up in the bone marrow and somehow affects bone formation. That's something else that is working against my favour. TBH I'm not expecting to prevent more bone loss, just trying to make the situation “less worseâ€. I've always made sure I had an adequate calcium intake and as a child and young adult I was quite physically active until ME happened, so it was a bit of a shock to find out that I had full blown osteoporosis at 53. I'm also quite slight in build and always have been, so that's a risk factor too. I suppose everyone's risks are going to vary. All I can say is that if I could do the enough physical activity then I would. We can't change our DNA and we can't change our physical history, but there are things we can do that MIGHT help. For me it's HRT and vitamin D, but YMMV!
My GP has marked on my record that I should have another scan in 2 years. In the meantime I have had a meno clinic appt. and have just started Evorel Conti. I showed the meno clinic my recent scan results. I was also told at the previous urogynaecology appt. that it is possible to buy small weights from Amazon to wear around the ankles as a means of strengthening bone. I haven't looked into it yet.
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Katejo, I have cheap sets of 1kg & 2kg weights from Argos for upper body strengthening (osteopenia) which I keep in the kitchen & use in downtime while cooking. That way it feels less like having to make time for something that is frankly not very interesting! Also use a resistance band & rowing machine for this. The ankle weights sound interesting.
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Hi I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis in January aged 46....I was 1 year post menopausal and had decided to go down the HRT route to try and avoid OP etc. The Chelsea and Westminister Menopause Clinic have increased my HRT as I still have low estrogen levels - I have also being doing lots of research and am taking a high dose of Vitamin D, K2, Magensium and Boron.... likes=wise they have said I am too young for OP treatments so HRT is the best route..... I too was shocked and still am...but am also slight, only 5ft etc....
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Just over 2 years ago in October/November 2016 my Dexa was -1.6 & -1.7 & I'm pretty chubby
I have CFS/ME & Fibromyalgia
I had another scan last Oct/Nov after the removal of my ovaries & my Dexa was +3 for my spine and +1.5 & +1.7 for my hips
The only significant change in my lifestyle is that I bought and ride an electric bike.......the bike has given me a range I didn't have with the CFS/ME which really limited my walking - it has changed the way I shop, commute and socialise
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One needs weight bearing exercise to encourage density. In the same way as the jaw requires teeth to interact, to keep bone density healthy.
I used to skip ;D .........
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Exercise that strengthens muscle can also help CLKD - resistance bands etc :)
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TMN45689 I have just replied to your private message re my Facebook Osteoporosis group.
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Can I just ask is the scan something you get called for at a certain age. It's just my mum was diagnosed in her 50's and now dad has been too. I'm not sure if that puts me at a higher risk or not x
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Can I just ask is the scan something you get called for at a certain age. It's just my mum was diagnosed in her 50's and now dad has been too. I'm not sure if that puts me at a higher risk or not x
No, there is no NHS screening for osteoporosis. As far as I am aware the NHS waits until you break something before they will do a scan, which IMO is too late. However, if you are at risk you could try asking your GP. I got my first DEXAscan done by telling the meno clinic my mother had osteoporosis. Also I am of slim build and had not had any oestrogen for some years. (The scan showed osteopaenia.)
JP x
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Can I just ask is the scan something you get called for at a certain age. It's just my mum was diagnosed in her 50's and now dad has been too. I'm not sure if that puts me at a higher risk or not x
I was first referred for a Dexa after fracturing my wrist in 2015 (age 52). I then requested another in 2018 as a precaution. I have slight osteopenia. GP wants me to have another scan in 2 years.
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I had osteoporosis when I was 26 years old. I was put onto a medication called fosamax and my bone density increased by a third- which the consultant said was remarkable. I stopped this medication after 2-3 years and now just take calcichew D3 Forte, a good diet and am a healthy weight. My spine and hips are now osteopenic ie low bone density but not low enough to be diagnosed with osteoporosis. I get DEXA scan every 2 years. I know when I start the menopause my bone density will drop. My consultant said he would then consider HRT type medication rather than the fosamax again( a bisphosphonate).
MY DEXA scan isn't due til next year. My GP has diagnosed me as perimenopausal and started me on Femoston 1/10. This should help protect my bones.
Not able to sleep tonight- hence the time of this post.
ps Fosamax is not routinely used in younger people. Just I had the bones of a 70 year old and my specialist consultant decided it was the best option for me. Osteoporosis runs in my family. I also had a long spell of depression when I wasn't eating and lost a lot of weight and periods stopped for around 6 months. Also was hospitalised and in bed most of the day/night- so no exercise. Drs think all this contributed to the osteoporosis. I was around 7 st then. I am now 9 st.
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Joaniepat you are right. I asked for a Dexa scan due to age, family history, hypothyroid etc GP happy for this however letter back from xray dept asking fr my FRAX score to be done (as I thought this is to whittle down referrals) FRAX score can be done on line under FRAX tool, however alot of things aren't taken into consideration. Chatted it through with GP, I am on HRT (aged 41yr) taking good dose vitamin D & healthy lifestyle/exercise (albeit recent, since January). Only option is to go private but I feel at this point not going to bother, would have been interesting to have known.
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My DEXA scan was organised when my (private) Endo asked GP to arrange it on the NHS a few years ago because I'm small framed, have difficulty maintaining weight (too low BMI) & hypothyroid. It showed osteopenia at the femoral neck. No family history of osteoporosis.
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my DEXA scan was done on the NHS. I was a long distance runner and had repeated stress fractures in feet and tibia. I now am eligible for a DEXA scan every 2 years. Now have osteopenia but did have osteoporosis.
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Some time ago there was an item on Woman's Hour about osteoporosis, in which it was said that GPs weren't very interested in the subject, and that it's hard to get treatment. It was a couple of years ago.
It does seem odd that scans aren't done at a certain age, when the NHS tests all sorts of other things. It would make sense to catch people before breaks occur.
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Couldn't agree more Kalinka. NHS seems to fall short on prevention in many ways - think there's never enough resources to go round so that they are continually firefighting. Not sure of the cost to the NHS of DEXAs & many medics are still not keen on HRT as prevention, so those may be factors in scanning not being routine. But must be financially costly treating the consequences of osteoporosis, not to mention the effect this can have on sufferers' lives.
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Plums and prunes are great for the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis! X
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I eat loads of prunes as I was told they could contribute to the reversal of osteoporosis. I'm due another scan in January, so I'm hoping that it will have improved. I also take Alendronic Acid and walk a lot.
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Me too marge! 👍 I usually buy them pitted. Then simmer for approx 30-40mins in water, add a lemon halved and a tea bag. Put in fridge and then have 6 a day with some of the liquid over muesli or soya yoghurt.. Seems they recommend 6 a day!
How do you have them? X
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I buy the pitted ones that are "sweet, moist & tasty" (as it says on the packet) and just eat them. But your recipe sounds great, I'll give it a go. Thanks.
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"There is an Osteoporosis Society, UK based but I think one has to pay for information "
Anyone can ring the Royal Osteoporosis Society and speak to one of their nurses for advice and information.
https://theros.org.uk/
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Another prune eater here! I have them every day & also bake big batches of plums, which are lovely eaten cold with a little yoghurt or ice cream.
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Ooh that sounds nice Wrensong. Will try that!
Great info! Thanks Annalu! X
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Plums and prunes are great for the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis! X
I hadn't come across that and I really like prunes!!
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I don't think one can reverse the effects of osteoporosis :-\ but can stop further deterioration . Now I love prunes, wonder how many 1 needs to eat daily in order to help calcium ....... probably too many to be polite here :D
Tnx Annalu :thankyou: I took a look-see !
Cobbled from the web-site:
OSTEOPENA: Having low bone density can increase your risk of breaking a bone, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to. It is just one of the risk factors for broken bones.
For many of us, having a lower than average bone density is normal, and most people with osteopenia do not need an osteoporosis medication.
Positive action for your bones
We recommend making positive lifestyle choices, to help your bones stay stronger for longer:
Find out about nutrition for bones, and adapt what you eat so you're getting all the right foods for bones
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D from the sun and food you eat. You may find you can benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement
Much like muscle, bones need exercise to stay strong, so lead as active a lifestyle as possible
Find out if there are any other lifestyle factors you can change, to protect your bones
We recommend making positive lifestyle choices, to help your bones stay stronger for longer: [my underline]
Find out about nutrition for bones, and adapt what you eat so you're getting all the right foods for bones
There is advice about diet and exercise, well explained - this reminds me that my Dad was in a Study regards osteoporosis in the 1980s but I don't know who funded it - I had left by then so it was kind of background information.
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CLKD - advice seems to be 6 prunes a day for bone health!
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;D - all at once :o ...........
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What do you mean all at once, CLKD?! ;D Six is nothing, girl! My system slumbers on oblivious to them. When I was a kid, Mum used to serve tinned prunes, heated, with creamed rice, creamed macaroni (remember that?) or custard. Sickly sweet, but I loved it then. Remember taking out the stones & putting them on the flat rim of the dish & going through the alphabet stone by stone, to get to the initial of the man I'd marry! Seem to recall it was usually around M :o. So that's a helluva lot more prunes than 6!! I had no idea then of their reputation & don't recall they gave me any cause for suspicion! They were wrong about my husband's initial too. Never trust a prune. ;)
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:rofl: :lol:
Oh I remember: he loves me, he loves me not ......... you had dishes with rims too :D
Creamed rice with jam in the middle? [we have a thread about all that somewhere :whist: ]
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Yes, we had the dishes with rims. Creamed rice with everything . . . except jam! Tinned rhubarb & tinned - golden - plums were other pairings for it, as a kid! The only jam in our household was blackcurrant, as we had bushes Mum made it from. Tea at friends' houses, where shop bought jam in other flavours was on offer, seemed the height of exotica! ;D
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We also exercised :-* and I know that I don't do enough these days :-\.
Rhubarb :sick02:
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I do exercise CLKD - was lucky to see a physio for a few months after surgery last year & she devised a routine to increase upper body strength that would not only work muscles but strengthen bone.
What's wrong with rhubarb?! Love it! That said, while we're on the topic of osteoporosis, its high oxalate content means though it contains calcium it's said not to be a good source for bone health. Not that it's up there at the top of the list of foods you'd expect to be!
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I have found a very good book on the subject of Osteoporosis - 'Beating Osteoporosis' by Diana Moran (in association with the Royal Osteoporosis Society). It is not heavy going and is written by someone who actually has this condition. As it is endorsed by the Royal Osteoporosis Society I trust what information is contained in the book. Hope this helps. Best Wishes to all.
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Thanks for the recommendation Krystal. I have one by Dr Marianne Glenville, but it's nearly 15 years old now so perhaps not that up to date.
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I thought that Diana Moran was an exercise 'expert' :-\ ........ on Breakfast TV for years? She's 80 now so what went wrong that she now has osteoporosis?