Osteopenia

[Omoufid]

I've been having bone loss for the past 5years. My gynecologist recommended livial once a day. I'm concerned. Is it worth taking it. I've started to feel slight pain in my hip that's where the osteopenia is. I take calcium every day and calcium cell salts and exercise daily. What should I do?

[Arcadia-77]

Hi, do you mean that you have been taking GnRH drugs such as Prostap, Zoladex, as they are known to cause bone loss, and that's why you are now being recommended livial by the Gynae as "add back" therapy?

[Alaine1]

Hello

I noticed from your post you aren't taking a vitamin D supplement. This is essential as most of us in the uk and parts of Europe are deficient. I have also got osteopenia which must be confused with oestoporosis. It can lead to it but in many cases if managed properly doesn't. I also take livial as am on long term zoladex but also take steroids for my asthma so it's more likely to steroid use. I also was shown to have a very severe vitamin D deficiency and given high dose vitamin D by the hospital until it returned to normal. I now take high strength vitamin D supplements for Solgar to keep my levels topped up. My last bone scan had shown a big improvement in my bone density so please don't be too concerned about bone loss. The livial was given to me with the zoladex to protect my bones not because of side effects but I've done very well on both medications. Livial unlike other hrt contains no active hormones it contains precursor products which the body converts into very small amounts of hormone. It should have absolutely no effect on your endometriosis at all. It's not flared up my endo or adenomyosis at all. It is worth a go as at the moment it's unlikely you would qualify for one of the more stronger medications which are usually only used for severe osteopenia and oestoporosis. I know this from experience as I saw one of the leading rheumatologist in the uk who advises the department for health on these matters after my endo specialist became concerned. I hope this helps

[Omoufid in reply to Alaine1]

Thanks so much for your response. I did a vit d test and my level was normal. I also don't suffer from endometriosis or any other disease. So is it still worth it to take livial. I do also exercise and eat well!! But my mother has severe osteoporosis.

[Alaine1]

Yes it's worth taking the livial. Your mothers history is the number one reason they have suggested you start taking it. The risks and benefits to you doing this would have been weighed up and if I was in your position I would do it as it's likely you might be able to avoid developing oestoporisis if you are carefully monitored and have DEXA scans every 2-3 years. Hope this helps