Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: Ursula on July 16, 2015, 08:16:23 AM

Title: Osteopenia
Post by: Ursula on July 16, 2015, 08:16:23 AM
Hi everyone,

My GP called me yesterday as he has my tests back from bone density scans, and I have osteopenia.

Osteoporosis runs both sides of family,  I have gone through an early menopause where I was without hrt support for a really long time (in another post I made)....So I was kind of expecting this but.. it's come as a blow and I am now really freaked out.  :'(

I am seeing my GP next week but for now does anyone have any experience with this so I know what to expect and what I should be doing?

Thanks XX
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: Sussexgirl on July 16, 2015, 08:30:55 AM
Hi,

I was in the same position as you a couple of years ago, I phoned the National Osteoporosis helpline and they were excellent lots of information and leaflets.  They also have a forum where you can post a message and a nurse will reply to you. 

x
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: CLKD on July 16, 2015, 11:54:44 AM
I was going to suggest the National Osteoporosis group - let us know how you get on.
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: Taz2 on July 16, 2015, 05:25:24 PM
Here's the link to the Society https://www.nos.org.uk/about-us 

It says this about osteopenia  "What is osteopenia?
Osteopenia  is the term applied to those whose bone density is slightly below the average range, as measured on a bone density scan. Bone density readings need to be considered along side other risk factors for fracture and can be helpful to determine who will benefit from an osteoporosis drug treatment."

Try not to worry too much. As it says the bone density is only "slightly" lower.

Taz x  :hug:


Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: ellie on July 16, 2015, 06:35:40 PM
I have osteopenia, I was put on high strength vitamin D......
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: CLKD on July 16, 2015, 07:56:31 PM
…… and brisk walking Ellie?  That's a good way as is adding dairy to the diet.  Girls who diet or cut out dairy in their growing years are now having problems with lack of bone density!
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: Ursula on July 16, 2015, 09:50:34 PM
Thanks for the info and responses, I'll get in touch with the society tomorrow. I've been feeling really low all day about this.

ellie, could I ask, does the high dose vit D work? Is there anything else you do for preventatives?

Sussexgirl, how are you now? Have you seen improvement and what do you do for preventatives?

CKLD,  the irony is I already do a lot of walking, especially mountain walking and climbing.. Dairy in my diets been good I guess, I haven't cut it out at any point in time.

Thanks xx


Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: CLKD on July 16, 2015, 10:48:21 PM
Get into that sunshine Girl and walk, walk, walk - who knows, we may even pass each other somewhere on a hillside  ;)

I was advised to up my diet generally and to do as much weight bearing exercise as possible: that's housework then  ;D
Title: Re: Osteopenia
Post by: Dana on July 18, 2015, 02:12:05 AM
I also had osteopenia diagnosed some years ago. I do all the normal things of taking Vit D, calcium, walking, and I'm also on HRT, but none of that really helped very much. I ended up being prescribed Fosamax once a week, and that did help considerably. However, for some reason, I decided to stop taking it, and my scans started to get worse again. So I'm back taking the Fosamax once a week. My next scan won't be due for another 12 months so I'm hoping to see some improvement.

The thing with osteopenia is that I think a lot of women probably suffer from it, but don't know because they've never had a BMD test done. Consider yourself fortunate that you do know, and you can take steps to avoid it getting worse.