Anyone w/ osteopenia NOT taking preventive medication?
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Hi Saje. I'm on a UK site and I noticed there that tons of women are automatically put on zolodrenic acid infusions when starting AI's. Although I was technically osteopenia on my first Dexa, my doctor didn't recommend it yet. But when my ALP scores started creeping up we suspected bone loss so they started me on them. No huge side effects to speak of and it gives me a great deal of comfort to know that not only am I fighting osteoporosis but also the possibility of bones mets. Zolodrenic acid lowers your chances of that. Anyway though I'd mention it.
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I was recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and I have been taking Tamoxifen for the past 7+ years. Apparently, I am one of the rare cases where, paradoxically, Tamoxifen can cause bone loss! My T-Score is -2.5, but my oncologist does not recommend treatment yet. I already work out, take Vitamin D and Calcium and eat pretty healthy. So I am honestly not sure what else I can do to improve my bone density!
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Hi everyone! Just completed 5 years of Tamoxifen (premenopausal) and had Dexa scan. For years I was osteopenic but this last result shows T score of -2.5 (barely osteoporosis) in lumbar only. Still osteopenia in the other areas tested. My OB Gyn called & wants to put me on Boniva. I have an appointment with my Onco in 2 days so I’ll discuss with her. I don’t like the side effects I’m hearing about with Boniva and Fosamax, Polia etc.
One of the YouTubers I watch was discussing her osteoporosis diagnosis & said no way to taking meds for it. So she increased her strength training and weight bearing exercises (steady increase to the amount of weights etc) and wears a weighted vest on her daily walks (3-5 miles), increased the weight on her vest too. Her Dexa scan showed great improvement!
I also read that taking a Calcium Citrate / D3 form that also has Vitamin K and magnesium is best.
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@stephando77, welcome to Breastcancer.org, and thank you for posting!
In case you’re interested, here are a couple of articles from our main site about bone health that might offer some additional insights:
Treating Osteoporosis and Osteopenia
Podcast: Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer
We’re glad you’ve joined us and hope you’ll find support and helpful advice here. Let us know what your oncologist suggests. Wishing you the best!
The Mods
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Hi Steph! Not saying you can't increase your own bone mass through strategic exercise alone but I have a friend who is determined to this, has worked for quite a few years doing it by wearing a waited vest, lifting weights, exercise, even an oscillating machine. No luck so far although she's doing everything suggested. She got worse instead. Still refusing to take the medication though so hopefully she won't break a bone since that will put a stop to everything going on in her life. I personally have chosen the medication route and will just watch for side effects. None so far.
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Hi Steph, My family has been part of an osteoporosis familial research study for many years. While taking supplements is advised one finding was that calcium consumed in food like yogurt was absorbed better. I have cycled on and off Fosamax when I dip into the osteoporosis range. The pills have an advantage over injectibles/infusions in that the amount of bisphosphinates in your system can be reduced more quickly if necessary for an invasive dental procedure. I have never had side effects even though I have Barrett's esophagus for which bisphosphinates are contraindicated. Having seen the consequences of osteoporosis (12 joint/bone replacements among my four siblings and the cause of my mother's death) I figured that the pros outweighed the cons in my case. Good luck with your decision.
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Hi Kay & Maggie! Thanks for the information, everything helps to make a decision.
Speaking of information, while doing a ton of info gathering I discovered a medication I started last year “may” be a contributor to bone loss. Not much is out there to say definitively.
Ubrelvy & Nurtec (among others) for migraines are CGRP inhibitors. That calcitonin jumped off the page at me. That plays a big part in bone health.
“CGRP inhibitors are a class of drugs that can treat and prevent migraines by blocking the action of the protein calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)”
Not many answers out there as to whether this plays a part in osteoporosis/osteopenia. But I thought I would pass along in case anyone else is on it and wants to check it out.
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