Different Treatment Advice from Endocrinologist and Rheumatologist

[Houseelf]

Hello,

I'm in my thirties and have osteoporosis. Earlier this year I saw an endocrinologist who advised I start HRT (my hormone levels are fine) and I have just seen a rheumatologist who advised I take alendronate. Neither can advise on the other.

I wondered whether people had experience with either of these please? I'm hoping hearing lived experiences will help me decide what to do!

[Met00]

HRT can help build bone and for most people is very safe. Alendronic Acid works by stopping old, poorer quality bone from breaking down, which interrupts the natural cycle and slows or even prevents new bone forming. That can lead to denser bone and in the short term reduces fracture risk, but denser doesn't necessarily mean better.

[Icholta]

HiI found I couldn't take Alendronic acid as it made my reflux worse so I now take Isendroncic acid once a month .

[Garda23]

Ask your GP to test your calcium and your parathyroid hormone levels also join parathyroid action group on Facebook and look at Michael Yeh

[Houseelf in reply to Garda23]

Hi, thanks - both levels have been tested a few times a year for the past few years (as well as vitamin d) as I've had problems with my parathryroid being high.

[t1gernidster]

Definitely have your parathyroid checked. My hypo parathyroid was noticed by an astute GP in my practice. If she hadn’t I don’t like to think what would have become of me.

parathyroid.com/

[LynneH-19]

I took Alendronic Acid (AA) for almost 2 months and had to stop taking them because I was getting return symptoms of a gut ulcer I had previously suffered from. The symptoms then cleared up within a few weeks.

Having said that, my mother took AA for years without any problems and she didn't have anymore broken bones.

We are all different in how we react to any medication or supplements.

All I can say, If you decide to try AA and if you are one of the minority of folk who it disagrees with, you simply stop taking it and try something else.

Best wishes

[Houseelf in reply to LynneH-19]

Thank you for sharing your experience LynneH, that is really helpful! Did/your mother take it in pill form or as a liquid?

[LynneH-19 in reply to Houseelf]

As far as I can remember, it was in tablet form and she took it with a full glass of water and stayed up right fora while afterwards.

[MayGodBlessYou]

even endocrinologist differ in opinion. i have heard from a coupe of gp's that endocrinologists are generally better specialists for osteoporosis. a rheumatologist i asked on the phone even directed me to an endo. however! endo's can make mistakes, gotta research and check.

[youvegotmail]

Hi, you've probably already started something for bones. If not ask your GP if you can start on Evenity injections. You are very young and will be on drugs for years. HRT doesn't really just help bones, if your hormones are ok it seems silly to take it. I've just finished a year of Evenity injections and my Osteoporosis is now Osteopenia, I will now be taking Risedronate for 5 years. It was well worth the slightly sore stomach once a month for the excellent results.