Prednisone + Zytiga + Lupron -- Loss of Height?

[Derf4223]

After a month of VMAT radiation I started on Prednisone 5 mg, Zytiga 1000 mg, and Lupron about 2 months ago. My height at the end of radiation was 73". At my first checkup a month from that my height was down to about 70.5". After a lot of reading and thinking about 2 weeks ago I added Vitamin K2 to the vitamin D3 and Calcium and my height has since recovered to about 72" and seems to continue to go up at a slower rate. Has anyone else here experienced height issues? A bone density scan is scheduled Nov 1.

[MateoBeach]

More likely an artifact of measurement variability. Was told there is also a diurnal variation in height from morning to afternoon measurements due to tissue hydration and compression. Gravity and degeneration are relentless, but only go slowly and in one direction. Keep your bones strong and protect your spine.

[Derf4223 in reply to MateoBeach]

Hi MB, Thanks for the diurnal variance info but I am an engineer and created a setup at home for measuring my height within 1/8 inch every AM starting about a week ago. Since learning at the hospital that my height was down over 2 inches from months earlier measured by the hospital, I have done two tweaks -- 1, taking Zytiga and prednisone together on empty stomach, and 2, added daily Vitamin K2.

This past week my consistently daily home-measured height has gone up about 1/4 to 1/8 inch most days. And I was for sure a lot shorter about 3 weeks ago when I met up with an old friend I don't see for a year or so at a time. He looked like he had gotten about 2 inches taller -- or vice versa. Shortly afterward my hospital check-in visit proved it was vice versa.

Reversible height loss is a listed side effect of Prednisone. I can't find any info about the mechanism behind it. Maybe not osteoporesis since it is said to be reversed upon discontinuation of prednisone. But my reading up on Zytiga + Prednisone indicated that prednisone has beneficial anti-cancer effects and of course buffers Zytiga side effects.

[MateoBeach in reply to Derf4223]

good to know the height has or is recovering. Strange to consider the possible mechanisms. Your careful measurements show it is not the diurnal variation. Stand tall, amigo.

[SallyJones]

My husband is still being treated with Lupron shots every 3 months and has received them since this past February. He received 90 tx of radiation, finishing this past June. I don't have any knowledge of Zytiga and he was and is not on it. He has not noticed any difference in his height that might compel him to measure it. Nor have I. I do know that Prednisone can have alot of negative effects on the body although, it is a Godsend to decrease inflammation. It acts like corticosteroids, which are known to cause osteoporosis. That being said, it sounds like you are on the right track taking Calcium. I know I haven't really given any more significant info to you but always want to respond to whoever reaches out. Good Luck and you are in my prayers for better health.

[oreogon]

you might ask the Dr. about Eligard it may have a different effect instead of Lupron