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[NRGEE]

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.

[Foxylady]

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.

[Wrensong]

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.

[NRGEE]

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.

[Kalinka]

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.

[Wrensong]

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.

[Jari]

Plums and prunes are great for the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis! X

[marge]

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.

[Jari]

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

[marge]

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.

[Annalu]

"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/

[Wrensong]

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.

[Jari]

Ooh that sounds nice Wrensong. Will try that!

Great info! Thanks Annalu! X

[Kalinka]

Plums and prunes are great for the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis! X

I hadn't come across that and I really like prunes!!

[CLKD]

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 

Tnx Annalu      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.