Boney stuff: Osteopenia

[P.Trish]

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.

[slccom]

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

[Joe S.]

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.

[ohiolady]

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

[P.Trish]

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)!

[SjoDry]

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

[SonicEm]

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?

[P.Trish]

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.

[lighthouse33]

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.

[P.Trish]

Thanks for the web site lighthouse33 - can learn a lot from wiki

[Joe S.]

Sorry I did not get back to you sooner. I see you have found an answer. Thank you Lighthouse.

[SonicEm]

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!