Osteoporosis

[gmasurvivor]

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?

[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 in reply to Dancegal]

Good luck to you!

[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]

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 in reply to macor]

Good to hear you have stabilized on Prolia.

[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 in reply to Hollykins]

Thanks so much for the information!