Hello you all. My bone- density scan shows osteopenia. My primary care dr said 'well, you look 40, but your 50's have become a reality'. Is that supposed to be some sort of back-handed compliment!? Geeeesh. He didn't recommend anything, except the consumption of more milk. I did some research & it looks like I need reg weight bearing exercises & 1500 mg of calcium. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I'd ask for a consult with an orthopedist and maybe a nutritionist. Depending on if you have thyroid issues, parathyroid issues, etc, you may need different things. Maybe even consult an endocrinologist, since parathyroid can be a factor.
Sharon
His comment sounded like a variation of "you don't look sick". If you are going to be taking calcium you may want to add K2.
Osteopenia is very common in menopausal age women. Weight bearing exercise and calciium are good to combat further bone loss. I would be happy with his response. Some doctors are overzealous and put patients on Fosomax. Those drugs have their fair share of side effects. I've had osteopenia for at least 8 years.
Anna
Hmmm - my primary care doctor's assistant called to say that "after going over my records - last evening - dr has decided I should take 'actonel'. My gut is telling me to not add another drug.
Everyone, thanks for your advice. For now , I am adding weight bearing, calcium, and K2 (whatever K2 is, but I will research it, Joe)!
PLEASE do not consider Fosomax, Boniva or any of the Bisphosphonate (or new bisphosphonate-like) drugs!
I urge you to go to: askapatient.com & read about any Osteopenia/Osteoporosis drugs that might be suggested to you.
Look the drug up in the alaphabetical chart & read about side effects that others may have experienced.
I am convinced that those drugs launched me into my current autoimmune issues. I wish I had researched the drugs first before
taking them for their once a month convenience. :-/
In other words...address your Osteopenia naturally.
SjoDry
P. Trish - I've had osteopenia for several years too - been doing regular aerobic exercise - walking the city streets and treadmill, plus weight lifting at the gym. I do take calcium and magnesium supplements. I'm now on a dairy restricted diet to see if this will further quell inflammation so supplements are important. This regimen seems to have arrested the osteopenia - I'm now almost 58.
Joe - what is K2? Maybe enlighten the group?
Thank you for the advice everyone - I am going the 'natural' route for osteopenia; just need to use more discipline for consistency in exercise, despite this dang fatigue! My biggest challenge is cardio.
Vitamin K2 (MK4) and bone health:
Vitamin K2 (MK7) and bone health:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_K
I've taken Vitamin K2 for several years now for osteopenia.
Thanks for the web site lighthouse33 - can learn a lot from wiki :)
Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I see you have found an answer. Thank you Lighthouse.
I did note that the wiki entry had food sources of K1 and K2 - instead of pill form. You might be surprised at some of the foods listed!