Osteoporosis : I was on aromatase... - SHARE Breast Canc...

SHARE Breast Cancer Support

2,432 members871 posts

Osteoporosis

gmasurvivor profile image
7 Replies

I was on aromatase inhibitors for five years....I just went for a bone density test and was told I have osteoporosis. I do not know if it is from the aromatase inhibitors. Osteoporosis seems to run in my family. Is anyone on a drug for osteoporosis? How are you doing? Any improvement shown? Any side effects from the drug?

Written by
gmasurvivor profile image
gmasurvivor
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
Dancegal profile image
Dancegal

I'm sorry to hear this! I know it is a side affect of estrogen blockers and age and genetics influence it as well. It makes me angry that in order to keep cancer from recurring, we have to put our body in danger of osteoporosis! I heard there are pills as well as shots but I don't know how well they work. I am 1 1/2 years into my estrogen blocking pills. I had osteopenia before starting the pill. I am in the population that has a higher occurrence so I am worried about this. Good Luck!

gmasurvivor profile image
gmasurvivor in reply toDancegal

Good luck to you!

123JustMe profile image
123JustMe

I am receiving zoledronic infusions every 12 months. Feel flu like for a few days but nothing after that. Did not have osteoporosis but last dexa scan showed significant bone loss in lumbar spine. Will be getting a repeat scan in a few months. Taking exemestane after 3 years of tamoxifen.

macor profile image
macor

I had osteoporosis and was receiving Prolia shots even before cancer surgery,chemo and radiation. It is an injection that is given every 6 months and I do not notice any side effects from it. In fact, the osteoporosis has stabilized even though I have been taking exemestane for almost 2 years now. Good Luck to you!!

gmasurvivor profile image
gmasurvivor in reply tomacor

Good to hear you have stabilized on Prolia.

Hollykins profile image
Hollykins

Hi! Sorry to hear about everyone's bone loss issues. I started Arimidex 2 weeks ago. A few months ago I was shocked to read Aromatise inhibitors can reduce your bone mass by 5 % a year. That's 25% in 5 years! Scary stuff! I am taking Zoladex injections to put my ovaries to sleep (so I can take an A. I.) & I've read that can cause an additional 1-2% a year. My oncologist says the 1-2% is just a menopausal effect & not the Zoladex. It still counts!

In case you're wondering, the average woman loses about 10% of bone loss throughout menopause. With bad habits, (smoking? no dairy?) it can be up to 20%.

The bone density examiner & the pharmacist reviewed my dairy intake. The pharmacist gave me some info on calcium sources. It's important to get 5 servings of dairy (or equivalent) per day. Btw it takes 6 cups of broccoli to equal the calcium fr 1 cup of milk. I think they used to say full-fat dairy was better but now they've found it doesn't matter. I have no idea who "they" are.

I usually eat 3 servings of dairy a day. I take 2 Calcium Citrate tablets about 4 hrs apart. We are not supposed to take calcium w prescription meds. I also take 2000 IU of vit D. I use vit. D spray as I get tired of taking pills & it tastes yummy. Not many people talk about vit. K2 but it is involved in the bone-building process. I just found out Collagen can help build 2% of bone mass a year. I was jumping up & down (not just for the weight-bearing exercise). I bought some yesterday. It's not the same bovine cartilege for hair etc. as most are. The brand I found is Hubner Silicea Plus Vit-Min. It has 40 mg of Silicon Dioxide & 250 mcg od Biotin. I was looking for Lorna Vanderhaeghe (Canadian co.) Collagen Drops but the store was out. I believe they have 10 mg of Silicon & ? Biotin.

You're probably sick of hearing about weight-bearing exercise. I believe I've heard 150 min a week in optimal. Also, weight training is important too. That can be flex bands, body weight (Pilates, yoga, push-ups ....including wall) & hand weights. It's not a good idea to carry weights while you walk. My personal trainer friend said it isn't good for the shoulders.

I am doing great w my supplements. I also take 2 glucosamine a day along w 2 calcium & 1 vit K2. I take Magnesium at bedtime. I was taking Mafnesium Oxide but found out Magnesium Citrate is better & Magnesium Bisglycinate is even better. I use a pill dispenser that has 4 large squares attached for 1 day. There are 7 that fit in a tray. Its great because I just have to use 1 daily section & I can see what I've forgotten. It doesn't take up whole bathroom counter! Good luck with all things bone & joint related. I figure even if it doesn't help that much at least I did my best. Now I need to up my exercise time. At least it also counts to lowering reoccurance so that's a win-win!

Eikcaj profile image
Eikcaj in reply toHollykins

Thanks so much for the information!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Aromatase inhibitors five years or more

I am a stage 1 ER+ breast cancer survivor. I was on aromatase inhibitors for five years. I had...
gmasurvivor profile image

Are There Any SAFE Aromatase Inhibitors

Are there any aromatase inhibitors that don't have serious side effects. I am scheduled to go on...
myguy profile image

SHARE's AI & Tamoxifen Support Group Meeting, 5/18 @ 6 pm

I wanted to invite those in the NYC area who are on aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen to come to...

Raloxifene (Evista)

Good afternoon ladies, I was diagnosed with estrogen positive DCIS in September, had a lumpectomy...
haagr profile image

A newbie looking for breastfriends' support...

Hello out there... I'm new to this site and fairly new to this Breast cancer journey we're on. Got...

Moderation team

See all
Jslanovich profile image
JslanovichAdministrator
Well1501 profile image
Well1501Moderator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.