Osteoporosis: I was diagnosed with osteoporosis I... - Thyroid UK

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Osteoporosis

Diana58 profile image
46 Replies

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis I have high blood pressure and are on medication for that and hypothyroid and I’m on medication for that does anybody have any experience they want to throw my way on whether or not to try prescription medications for osteoporosis or try the natural way with supplements and exercise any help would be appreciated thank you Diana

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Diana58 profile image
Diana58
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46 Replies
Lora7again profile image
Lora7again

Can you post your thyroid blood results? They must include TSH, T4 and T3. Also any vitamin levels you have B12, iron and ferritin, vitamin D and folate ... I presume you have some calcium results as well because of your illness. My elderly Aunt suffered with this and she was given calcium are you being given anything?

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toLora7again

My results came through my gynecologist

I haven’t anything yet

I’m asking for blood test

I don’t take calcium

But believe I should only take it through diet

I’ve started taking vitamins D3

Magnesium and B

And started excersize

It’ll be a couple months before know everything

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toDiana58

Well my elderly Aunt was given a special prescription for it. Sadly she is now dead but she did not die from that because her treatment helped her and she actually died from dementia when she was 97. She also had lots of tests to check her bone density.

nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporo...

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toLora7again

I just read your previous thread and I did not realise you were from the US (I should seeing what time it is!)

fda.gov/news-events/press-a...

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toLora7again

It’s fine

It’s only 7:45 pm lol

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toDiana58

I used to talk to a guy from Missouri and I think he would get up at 12 midday our time so I would wait before I messaged him lol

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toLora7again

I’m sorry for your loss

Lora7again profile image
Lora7again in reply toDiana58

She was actually my Grandmother's sister and had a long happy life but thank you.

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply toDiana58

Personally, I think you are on the right track. I was given one of the biphosphinates and had terrible problems with nausea. I stopped taking it because it disagreed with me, and later learned that people were getting severe jaw problems from these high-powered meds.

Currently I take 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 along with 90 mcg of Vitamin K2-MK7. The K2 helps the D3 route the calcium you take in from your diet to your bones and teeth (where you need it) and away from the soft tissues were it causes problems such as blood vessels and breasts.

It's sad that doctors know so little about nutrition. When people are low in Vitamin D, they prescribe a mere 800 IU, which won't get the job done.

I would recommend that you don't start supplementing calcium unless you first have your levels tested. Too much calcium is harmful. If your levels are low in range or below range, then you can supplement.

I take my Vitamin D after dinner because it's my fattiest meal. D is a fat-soluble vitamin. I also take magnesium, selenium, and zinc as these are co-factors that help the Vitamin D do its job.

I hope this helps.

suekwright profile image
suekwright

Hi i have what you have i take a tablet a week from the gp. Its worked for me x

G2G2 profile image
G2G2

Personally, I wouldn't take the osteoporosis meds because they don't work (bone improvements are minimal) & have risks. When taken long term, they actually make bones more brittle. Adequate magnesium & Vit D3 are critical for healthy bones. Boron & other minerals also help.

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toG2G2

Thank you

G2G2 profile image
G2G2 in reply toDiana58

Hope it helped. If you search magnesium, there are many posts on the different types of Mg. MK 7 is important because it helps calcium go to the bones & not into soft tissue. I don't take calcium supplements because they're not really bioavailable. As a result, that calcium floats around landing in places we don't want. Our bodies can't absorb calcium from chalk (the cheapest form) & many other forms of calcium in supplements. Of course, weight bearing exercise is very important,

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toG2G2

Thank you

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toG2G2

I think I need to find some supplements and excersize

Yes very helpful

Thank you

G2G2 profile image
G2G2 in reply toDiana58

You're most welcome:)

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply toG2G2

That's vit K2-MK7. :)

pump321 profile image
pump321 in reply toG2G2

Hi G2G2, I am very interested in this discussion as I know I need to take Vit.D3 and also magnesium plus K2-MK7. My problem is every time I try and take Vit.D3 I get migraine headaches so it's proving impossible to take also I cannot take Magnesium as it upsets my stomachs even if I rub it on my skin. My question is even if I could take the above two I worry abut K2-MK7 as I've read it can causing clotting problems and may not be that safe to take. I am in such a muddle not being able to take supplements that would help my bones so much. There doesn't seem to be an answer to my problems. I guess I will just have to suffer the consequences of not taking the any supplements. Feeling so frustrated that my body will not accept supplements.

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591 in reply topump321

Just read your post, do you know what your calcium levels are? It might be helpful to see if there is a trend and it has gone up over time. You might find a Bone Complex more helpful like Viridian's or I have taken NHP's Osteo Support. Both providers conscious of absorption issues.

pump321 profile image
pump321 in reply toHRH8591

Thank you HRH8591 for taking an interest in my problem. I don't know what my calcium levels are. Are you saying if they are high it's bad or good? I don't understand a lot about calcium. I do have awful back pain and worn facet joints so feel I do need something to help with this. I am sorry I really don't understand what you mean when you say Viridian's or NHP's Osteo Support, both providers conscious of absorption issues? I wish I understood more about all of these issues. Are you able to explain in simple terms what it all means, sorry to be a pain I need educating as the doctor's are not taking a lot of interest in my problems. Thank you so much.

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591 in reply topump321

Hi, I was drawn to your post because I had problems taking Adcal D3 and found that I had high calcium so had to stop. My Vit D wasn't low either so in theory I didn't need D. I also have osteoporosis. I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism by the Metabolic Bone Clinic I attend. If you have a bone problem then you should be having a full set of blood tests which come under Bone Profile. If you can get your tests results might mean more. Don't go worrying now about what I have been diagnosed with. Some people have malabsorption of vitamin and minerals - the reasons can vary but it all takes place in the gut and can cause people various issues.

pump321 profile image
pump321 in reply toHRH8591

It's all so complicated isn't it? Oh to be healthy, well and pain free! I wish! I rather suspect I may have osteoporosis and will eventually have to have a bone scan. I am having an ultrasound on Friday as I have awful back pain and blood in my urine. I need to see a urologist to sort that out as well. I think you are absolutely right about some people having malabsorption issues with Vitamins and minerals and it's all connected to the gut. I just don't know if I'm coming or going to be honest. I live in the UK and cannot get an appointment at our local hospital to see a urologist, I was refused in May, they just say I don't fit the criteria. Basically they are so strapped for cash they are not seeing half the people who need to be seen so I guess I will have to go private in the end. It's all hugely complicated trying to find out what is causing all my problems and terrible health and back pain etc. It should be so simple but nothing is these days. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, I'll keep plodding along and hoping to get some answers eventually. Good luck.

G2G2 profile image
G2G2 in reply topump321

I have a friend who can't take D3 because it's usually made from lanolin. She's allergic to lanolin. Maybe that's causing your migraines. I use Whole Earth & Sea Vit D3. It's vegan & non-GMO. Interestingly, it's a dry form.

I wonder if the fillers in supplements cause problems for some people. Awful that even topical Mg bothers your stomach. I alternate different forms. Mg citrate gives me diarrhea, even at low doses. Mg glycinate, malate & L-threonate don't bother me at all.

From what I've read, the chances of clots from not high doses of MK 7 isn't great at all. High doses present more of a risk, just like high doses of most things. To me, the benefits far outweigh the possible risk. Of course, people on blood thinners shouldn't use.

pump321 profile image
pump321 in reply toG2G2

I've used Solgar Vit.D3, Doctor's Best, Vit.D3 and also Wellbaby Vit.D3 drops. None of them appear to contain lanolin. They seem to contain ingredients such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Glycerin, purified water, are Gluten Free, soy free, wheat free, dairy free, sugar free, sodium free, no artifical flavous, no sweetners or preservatives or colours. I know additives really affect me so I am very careful to try and select vitamins with the least amount of horrible contents. I keep trying to take Vit.D3 but after a couple of days and a migraine each time I just give up. I am a chronic migraine sufferer so don't want to take too much extra migraine medication as I then get into rebound migraines. Nightmare really! Thank you also for your information about MK7 too. Everybody is so helpful on here and it's lovely how we get so much support and advice. I learn a lot and live in hope that I will get well again before too long.

G2G2 profile image
G2G2 in reply topump321

Migraines are the worst:( Lanolin isn't listed as an ingredient because it's the source of most D3 supplements. Why D3 is in oil based capsules. Write the companies to ask.

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply toG2G2

They put D3 into oil capsules because it is fat-soluble. Maybe try a product that uses coconut oil?

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591 in reply topump321

A nutritionist I saw recommended Bio D Mulsion by Biotics Research. I used it for some time and it was excellent.It is a white emulsion and nutritionist told me to rub into my gums as I have absorption issues.

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply topump321

It's the Vitamin K1 form the encourages blood clotting. Vitamin K2 is safe. I take my Vitamin D and magnesium right after dinner as they are fat-soluble. Maybe that would help?

pump321 profile image
pump321 in reply tovocalEK

Thanks for info. on Vit.K2. I was a little concerned and have asked different Doctor's about it and they say 'just try and take the Vit.D3 on it's own'. Can you take the Vit.K and Vit.D3 without the magnesium? I find it all so confusing to be honest. I think most people who are low in Vit.D3 just take it on it's own as they have never heard that you should take K2 and Magnesium with it. There seems to be no hard and fast rule. I struggle so much just to take Vit.D3 at all but will keep trying different types every so often.

Fruitandnutcase profile image
Fruitandnutcase

I’ve got a friend who is being monitored for osteoporosis since she was treated for breast can cer. She followed up that treatment with some tablet she has been taking for about five years now.

She doesn’t take osteoporosis meds but eats a healthy diet and does weight bearing exercise and I remember her saying she ‘stamps’ around the house.

She’s recently had another DEXA scan and said her results were good so her approach was paying off - for her. Good luck with it all.

Hope you don’t smoke or if you do you should give up ASAP.

Diana58 profile image
Diana58 in reply toFruitandnutcase

Thank you

Skylane2 profile image
Skylane2

Since I have the same three diagnosis’s as you. I’ve opted to take natural supplements for the osteoporosis. I take triple boron complex and strontium daily along with my calcium. I use Red mineral algae plant based calcium since it is the Most easily assimilated. I also have a low dose estrogen patch ( if you are a female) for bone density this combo was prescribed by my rheumatologist

Marz profile image
Marz

Calcium is utilised in the breaking down of old bone cells - osteoclasts.

drmyhill.co.uk

Babette profile image
Babette

Weight bearing exercise helps strengthen bones. Someone I know has reversed her osteoporosis by doing lots of walking (several miles a day).

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591

I think the answer is much depends on your Dexa scan and whether you have ever taken Bisphosphonates in the past? You are correct tha current thinking is to get all calcium through diet and take D3 to enable absorption. Of course we still need magnesium and many take K2 and Boron and Vitamin C for absorption. I have taken NHP's Osteo Support in the past and I know Viridian is a good make too but currently I avoid calcium as a supplement as I have had Hyperparathyroidism.

kvmj profile image
kvmj

I'm hyperthyroid and diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in my left hip and lower spine. I have been receiving an injection of Prolia every 6 months for 2 years now. My last Dexa scan showed improvement of 34%.

blondpalomino profile image
blondpalomino

Hi Diana,

Both my Mum and Sister have osteoporosis, I have Osteopenia, which you get leading up to osteoporosis. I am due another bone density scan this year, (last one 3 years ago)so I will see if it has got worse!

I broke my wrist last year, which may be an indication!

I take Magnesium Bisglycinate,which doesn't give you diarrhea, I get it from Holland and Barrett. I also take Vit D3, initially I seemed to get migraines afterwards, but it has settled down.I leave off the D3 in the summer for a few months, as I am usually outside a lot.

I walk and dance every week for exercise.

My Doctor said she doesn't recommend the drugs (bisphosphonates) as they have some nasty side effects, and you shouldn't take them too early in life as you can only stay on them for so long.

I have no thyroid, I had it removed 20 years ago, I am on Thyroxine and liothyronine (lucky to get it on the NHS!

blondpalomino profile image
blondpalomino

P.s. forgot to mention I make sure I get a lot of calcium with my diet, as supplements aren't recommended for your heart.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d

On a course led by a lovely lady who herself had severe osteoporosis we were taught that bones not only need loading (as in heavy gardening) but also twisting, extending, compressing and that stamping someone has mentioned, so for instance patting, hard, through your hands and any other bones. Loading horizontally is good too.

thyr01d profile image
thyr01d

PS sorry I've written as if that is definitive, it's only what we were taught, as far as I know there is no absolutely clear scientific evidence, "the Jury is still out".

humanbean profile image
humanbean

You might find these two sites of interest :

saveourbones.com/

betterbones.com/

Suzi_ profile image
Suzi_ in reply tohumanbean

Thanks

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591

Hi, Which condition is it you want diagnosed?

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591

Thanks for the video. Interesting.

HRH8591 profile image
HRH8591

Assuming you are in the UK you might be best to get a referral to one of the Metabolic Bone Disease Clinics. I think most are at University Hospitals. That's where I go.

Baobabs profile image
Baobabs

Sorry to hear about the multiple conditions you are having to deal with. I have Hashis and OP. When diagnosed two years ago with OP I was terrified by my then Endo into having an injection of Prolia. Later I read up on the even more disturbing side effects of the drug and others. I made a conscious decision to have no more, completely clean up my diet ( it was already good but I probably didn’t eat enough) take all necessary bone building supplements as well as those I take for Hashis. I am fortunate enough to be able to gym regularly and do weight bearing exercise. Although my thyroid stim hormone is suppressed my last Dexa Bone Scan showed that the disease is reversing. This is a personal choice you have to make regarding treatment. Remember the Pharma companies are out to make bucks and mega ones. The alternative protocol is grueling at times and the commitment is challenging. As long as I have my sanity and my body functions I will not consider OP meds. My Endo says there is an epidemic in OP amongst the women he treats, also low levels of calcium and D3. I have just finished reading an interesting book called ‘Rebuild Your Bones’ by Jayson and Mira Carlton. Mira had severe OP at 30 and managed to completely reverse it. The authors claim the main reason for the development of OP is due to long term micro nutrient deficiency. We know Hashi patients Frequently encounter micro nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption. It may be this situation rather than a suppressed thy stim hormone contributing to the development of OP. Medics may say it is impossible to reverse this disease but this is simply not true. Drug treatment is very powerful, some not researched adequately but may appear to improve bone density. Density increase via this method however does not necessarily equal strong bones but often brittle ones that fracture easily. Your choice. Good luck!

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