Adcal: Hi all, Just had my Dexa scan for my... - Thyroid UK

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salshep profile image
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Hi all,

Just had my Dexa scan for my coeliac review and it's showing osteopenia. There was no sign of this whatsoever when I was diagnosed 4 years ago. My GP wanted to reduce my levo to 75mg as she believes my almost non existent TSH is a problem. I've refused this and explained yet again that it's low because I also take T3 and actually feel really well apart from ongoing joint pain.

Because of the osteopenia, she's prescribed Adcal but I've not read anything good about this! I did wonder about taking it but continuing the D3/K2 that I currently take. Does this sound a good idea?

I also take zinc, selenium, magnesium, b12 and b complex.

Any thoughts?

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salshep
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greygoose profile image
greygoose

Not to me, it doesn't. Did she actually test your calcium levels before prescribing it? Calcium is not a cure/treatment for osteopenia.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

salshep profile image
salshep in reply to greygoose

No she didn't test. Looking back through my blood results, it looks like Oct 16 was the last time calcium was tested. I'm not sure whether this is the correct thing ...."calcium adjusted level 2.38, the range is 2.1-2.6.

I eat a lot of calcium rich foods and obviously take the D3/K2. I was very surprised at the Dexa scan results.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to salshep

Yes, but as one of those articles explains, osteopenia is a made-up disease, designed to make more money for Big Pharma. No doubt your bones are appropriate to your age.

And, your calcium isn't low - certainly not low enough to warrant any sort of supplement.

m7-cola profile image
m7-cola in reply to greygoose

I totally agree with GG’s advice and would seriously consider changing doctors unless the GP is open to reason.

penny profile image
penny in reply to m7-cola

As mentioned in the article, something I have read before, bone density does not equate to bone strength. I have been threatened by my GP because of my low tsh (I’m on T3) that I will a, have heart arrhythmia and/or b, have osteoporosis. Neither has happened. In fact I had a nasty fall last year and bent my collar bone, I’m in my 60s but my collar bone did not break, it bent. I’ve had Bonework on it to put it back in its place and now only have soft tissue damage to deal with.

salshep profile image
salshep in reply to greygoose

I haven't had the chance to read the full documents so I'll gave a read this evening. I've requested a copy of my latest blood results as the last calcium test was 3 1//2 years ago.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

Osteopenia probably has more to do with being coeliac

coeliac.org.uk/information-...

Links about magnesium and vitamin K2 being important

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

livescience.com/61866-magne...

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

Bone pain

easy-immune-health.com/pain...

naturalnews.com/038286_magn...

Vitamin K2 mk7

betterbones.com/bone-nutrit...

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...

salshep profile image
salshep in reply to SlowDragon

Yes, it is because of the coeliac disease. Lots of reading, thanks SlowDragon, hopefully I will learn a lot from this

Nanaedake profile image
Nanaedake in reply to salshep

Could you consult the coeliac society for their opinion? Although in general it may not be a good idea to take calcium there may be circumstances in which it's needed. Do you know how much calcium you are losing for example? Maybe you need more information? Your doctor is offering you the standard treatment with ADCAL and would be considered irresponsible by not offering it but it's up to you whether you want to take it.

In 2 years my bone density has improved out of osteoporosis into the osteopenia range and I take ADCAL but balance it with K2-MK7, magnesium, prunes for boron and vitamin C. I also do sensible exercise.

My calcium level was not low in blood tests and has not changed with taking the ADCAL. Apparently, it is possible to excrete more calcium than you retain. It can happen for various reasons including menopause and then your body borrows calcium from bones according to my reading.

I lost a couple of parathyroid glands which might have contributed but don't really know. I don't understand the mechanics. I can only tell you my experience so I think it's worth getting more information from the experts in bones and calcium to help decide what to do.

salshep profile image
salshep in reply to Nanaedake

Absolutely agree Nanaedake. I'm certainly going to do a lot more research before I do anything

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