Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Evelyn63 on June 27, 2016, 08:53:42 PM
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Got a phone call from GP today to say the results of my X-ray have come back as there is evidence of old vertibrae fracture and a provisional diagnosis of osteopenia ? Osteoporosis . Im a bit taken aback and now trying to get my head round it all. She's arranging a bone density scan to confirm but she seems quite sure. Ive been reading up ( as you do) and the one thing concerns me most is the negative reports about the treatment and the dreadful side effects. I know most medication carries side effects but these seem very alarming . I went on to and Oesteoporosis forum where they encourage you to try other options such as vitamins and calcium supplements first before the " big guns" From never being near a doctor in years I seem to have spent this past month with one problem leading to another !!
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Hi Evelyn63, has she checked your calcium and vitamin d levels?
S x
No she hasn't This all came about because I had a sore back and was referred for X-ray . She just rang today to say the X-ray had showed up the possibility of Osteopenia Im terrified more of the medication than the illness, the side effects seem horrendous. Ive ordered a mixture of Vit D and K and others to try.
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Hi Evelyn63 - I'm not sure what you've been reading but try not to be too alarmed. Osteopenia is not the same as osteoporosis and your doc has only suggested that there is a possibility. This is from one of the osteopenia sites
"Osteopenia, however, is not a disease or even a true diagnosis. It merely indicates a state of relatively low bone mass — that is, your bone mass is low when compared to the standard. You could have “osteopenia†because you never developed a high peak bone mass in your youth, or because you naturally have bones that are less dense than average (often the case with naturally slender people). It does not have to mean that you are currently losing bone.
On the other hand, some of us with osteopenia are currently undergoing bone loss and on our way to having a higher degree of bone loss, known as osteoporosis."
I wouldn't take your vitamins until after your levels have been checked by the way so that the doc can get a good idea of your levels before treatment. There's some exercise ideas here too https://www.nos.org.uk/health-professionals/~/document.doc?id=770 to help build bones. You will need a dexa scan to get a diagnosis.
Taz x :hug:
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Osteopenia doesn't mean you have osteoporosis. It just means that there is thinning detected, and that would be pretty common for a lot of menopausal women. They may not know it though because they haven't had a BMD (bone mineral density) done, and as there are no symptoms felt, unless you have a fracture or a BMD you won't know. Of course it can be a precursor to osteoporosis, but it's not something to panic about yet. If you do have osteopenia, now is the time to take action so it doesn't develop into something more serious.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia probably about 10 years ago, in my late 40s. The standard treatment is Fosamax. Yes, things like exercise, HRT, and supplements can help. I do all that, but I can tell you that, for me, none of that really helped that much. While I was taking Fosamax things were fairly stable, but a naturopath talked me into going off it, and after a couple of years of not being on it, my thinning got worse. What made me decide to return to Fosamax was that Dr Elizabeth Vliet, whose opinion I respect, advocates in her books the taking of Fosamax if you have osteopenia. So I will remain on Fosamax.
I've never had any side effects from taking it. It's only a once a week tablet if you start taking it for osteopenia. There is some scaremongering on the internet about it, but that is more than likely related to people with advanced osteoporosis, who have to take the medication daily. However, what medication doesn't get some kind of scaremongering - think HRT.
btw - I'll just add that there is nothing scary about having a BMD done. It's just a scan. I just wanted to say that, because a friend of mine thought they actually have to remove a piece of bone to test it...lol....
Taz made her post while I was typing mine, so I'll just add something about the supplements. I wouldn't just start taking a whole heap of calcium just because it's something people think you have to take for bone strength. You do need to be careful about how much calcium you take, as the body can only absorb a certain amount at any one time. What it can't absorb is often stored in the body in places you don't want it stored. So I would go with whatever suggestions and doses your doctor recommends.
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I had a Dexa scan about four years ago and was told I had osteopenia. I was put on vitimin D capsules (Fultium) . No side affects. What are the 'Big guns' ?
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Thank you all for your kind replies and such informative posts. I think partly I'm jumping ahead of myself is due to them seeing an old compressed fracture of L1 and the fact my mother had severe Oestoporosis. Hers I put down to the fact she had an early surgically induced menopause ( no HRT in those days!) plus her diet wasn't great to say the least. By contrast I didn't become menopausal until my 50's and try to eat healthily at all times plus moderate exercise such as walking.
I agree Dana, you only hear about the problems ! People rarely post about how much good a drug is doing for them. You have reassured me tremendously.
Ellie, on one of the Osteoprosis forums they referred to all Byphosphates ( excuse me if that's wrong term) such as Fosamax and others as " Big guns"
Taz, that's good advice about holding off the vitamins until I get my scan done, I was just panic buying I think !
Sparkle I'm improving daily, thanks
I've had enough of browsing Oestoporosis, going to look at White Stuff sale instead :)
Thanks again everyone I'm very grateful for your kindness in taking time to rely
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Osteopenia doesn't mean you have osteoporosis. It just means that there is thinning detected, and that would be pretty common for a lot of menopausal women. They may not know it though because they haven't had a BMD (bone mineral density) done, and as there are no symptoms felt, unless you have a fracture or a BMD you won't know. Of course it can be a precursor to osteoporosis, but it's not something to panic about yet. If you do have osteopenia, now is the time to take action so it doesn't develop into something more serious.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia probably about 10 years ago, in my late 40s. The standard treatment is Fosamax. Yes, things like exercise, HRT, and supplements can help. I do all that, but I can tell you that, for me, none of that really helped that much. While I was taking Fosamax things were fairly stable, but a naturopath talked me into going off it, and after a couple of years of not being on it, my thinning got worse. What made me decide to return to Fosamax was that Dr Elizabeth Vliet, whose opinion I respect, advocates in her books the taking of Fosamax if you have osteopenia. So I will remain on Fosamax.
Can you recommend which of her books would be best Dana ? There's quite a few . Thanks
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Can you recommend which of her books would be best Dana ? There's quite a few . Thanks
I have 3 books "Women Weight and Hormones", "It's my ovaries stupid" and "Screaming to be heard". The first two are fairly easy to read, but "Screaming" is a more heavy going type of book. It is an excellent reference book though. There are so many things I've been able to just look up by using the index, but I still haven't been able to get through the whole thing.
So I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. I guess, for me, it would be a toss up between "screaming" and "it's my ovaries".
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I had a Dexa scan about four years ago and was told I had osteopenia. I was put on vitimin D capsules (Fultium) . No side affects. What are the 'Big guns' ?
Haven't you had another scan done since then? I have mine done every two years. In fact I'm due for one now, so I'm keen to see how I've fared over the last two years. If you have been told you have osteopenia you really should keep monitoring it. If there is deterioration, it's always best to find out as early as possible, so you can either adjust the supplements you are on, or you might need to consider something like Fosamax.
My father had full blown osteoporosis, and I saw what happened to him after he broke his hip. That's terrify me, so I'm going to take whatever steps I can now to nip it in the bud.
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Can you recommend which of her books would be best Dana ? There's quite a few . Thanks
I have 3 books "Women Weight and Hormones", "It's my ovaries stupid" and "Screaming to be heard". The first two are fairly easy to read, but "Screaming" is a more heavy going type of book. It is an excellent reference book though. There are so many things I've been able to just look up by using the index, but I still haven't been able to get through the whole thing.
So I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. I guess, for me, it would be a toss up between "screaming" and "it's my ovaries".
Thanks Dana, will have a look on Amazon. I've already ordered the Marilyn Grenville book which seems to be a popular one.
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While I was taking Fosamax things were fairly stable, but a naturopath talked me into going off it, and after a couple of years of not being on it, my thinning got worse.
Hi Dana - When the naturopath talked you off Fosamax did they put you on any sort of special diet?
Ahhhh, that's a very long story, and is the reason I ended up dependent on diazepam and took a lot longer to get my menopause problems under control that I needed to. I went to the naturopath to try to help my meno symptoms. She had me on all sort of pills, potions and diets, which cost me a fortune, but all that happened is that all my problems got a lot worse and I had to spend 2 years weaning myself off diazepam. So I honestly can't recommend anything the naturopath had me on.
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The best place for a scan is on the pelvis! I had ankle/foot scans for years, was told to alter my diet ……… but nowt wrong with it ::)
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Yes you do need to have the proper DXA scans done for BMD (bone mineral density). Those ones where you just have your foot scanned are pointless. I had one done at my local gym. They had arranged for someone to bring in a scanner, but as it turns out it's just a good way for someone without the proper training to make some money. I was just told to increase my calcium, but being a bit cautious and knowing my father had osteoporosis I spoke with my doctor, who sent me for a proper DXA and that's when I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Had I kept having the foot scans done I may never have known.
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I was never on HRT, well when I say never, was on for six months , then the 2002 report came out, and I , like I imagine , thousands of other women, panicked and stopped it. I suppose I should have asked for a scan earlier given my family history but naevily I thought good diet , plenty of exercise would be enough. I'm interested in your post Hasty, as I was actually thinking it was a shame I hadn't taken HRT as it would have offered more protection, but maybe not ?
My son in law is in medicine as is his dad and they have had a good look at my X-ray report :). Both are of the opinion it's mostly just saying wear and tear and most women my age would show similar findings. However the fact Osteopaenia has been picked up in indicative of changes so most likely there is some degree of Osteoporosis .
I'm much more settled in myself now, found a good health website Patient and have received positive and practical advice from members on the OP site. Just waiting now for appointment fir Scan. I've started my supplements too. Every little bit helps 😄
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Yesterday I was added to the list of osteoporosis sufferers, well I assume so.
I was diagnosed with ostepaenia in 2013 and given vit D and calcium which I gave up due to constipation.
Fast forward to April this year severe, very severe mid back pain and yesterday the go confirmed after X-ray I had spine fracture at T6. I'm not due a dexa until November it seems I may be made to wait for that.
I'm on nothing right now.
I'm scared witless of the possible treatments and really wish I could do it the healthy natural way.
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Yesterday I was added to the list of osteoporosis sufferers, well I assume so.
I was diagnosed with ostepaenia in 2013 and given vit D and calcium which I gave up due to constipation.
Fast forward to April this year severe, very severe mid back pain and yesterday the go confirmed after X-ray I had spine fracture at T6. I'm not due a dexa until November it seems I may be made to wait for that.
I'm on nothing right now.
I'm scared witless of the possible treatments and really wish I could do it the healthy natural way.
Sometimes "natural" just doesn't cut it. Think all the "natural" cures for menopause that usually don't work.
If you are offered medication I would take it. I've had osteopenia for maybe around 8 years now and for most of that time I've been taking fosamax once a week, and I believe it helps, and I've had no adverse side effects from it. I certainly haven't developed osteoporosis yet anyway.
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I agree StellaJ. I would also urge everyone to get a scan done at least every few years, even if you think you are okay, and even if you have to pay for it, because osteopenia doesn't have any symptoms. So you won't know you've got it until it progresses to osteoporosis and you break a hip. Once an older person breaks a hip the life expectancy becomes very limited (usually around 3-4 years according to my GP, and that's about what it was for my father). If you take action in the early stages the general outcome will probably be a lot better.