I recently fractured my big toe and when I went to see my doctor he diagnosed me with osteoporosis. I just turned 50. I thought that was something you dealt with in your 70’s, but I guess it’s fairly common to occur during menopause when your estrogen levels drop. Wondering if others have gone through this and what you’re doing to strengthen your bones — beyond Vitamin D, of course 🙂– Tina, Maine
Community comments
19Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Mav6 years ago
Yes, I’ve read that this can happen during menopause. We woman have to put up with so much.
Natalia6 years ago
I am doing bone density X-ray test to see if any changes which can lead to the osteoporosis and taking vitamin D daily. Thinking of changing my diet to have more foods which are helping my bones.
Lyn6 years ago
Hi, That's interesting - I recently broke my ankle in lockdown, of which at the time I was unaware I thought I had just twisted my ankle but with restriction carried on - but had it checked out after 5 weeks to find in fact it was quite badly broken. When I went for my follow up appointment at the hospital I asked if I should have a bone density check of which I was told it was not necessary, but if wanted one I would have to go through my GP! I think I might get it checked out, as at the time time I have been getting pains in my elbows, of which I am thinking, are they connected?
Lisa - Virginia6 years ago
Tina - I don’t know if your GP is also your OB/GYN, but my OB/GYN ordered bone density tests after doing routine blood work and saw that my vitamin D was low. I was diagnosed with osteopenia. In addition to taking extra D and calcium, I also take 2 forms of vitamin K (at my OB/GYN’s advice) as she said one form of K increases calcium and D absorption into the blood and the other form of K increases absorption into the bones. Hope this helps.
Kath5 years ago
Hi Lisa, This is very interesting. What are the two forms of Vitamin K and which one is for the bones? X
Susannahreplying to Kath5 years ago
“Vitamin K comes in two forms — K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found primarily in green, leafy and cruciferous vegetables. Vitamin K2, which is predominantly produced by bacteria, is further divided into subgroups named MK4 to MK13. these are found in some dairy products, pork, poultry and fermented foods.” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-need-vitamin-k-supplements-for-your-bone-health/
Joanne6 years ago
I have this in my wrist. So painful at time’s. started about the same time as the menopause.
Alexandra6 years ago
I had a wonderful GP/Internist, about 15 years ago when I was in my mid 30’s. Because I was always very skinny (til menopause & hypothyroidism) he ordered a bone density check with the result of Osteopenia. But since then, neither my Gyn nor my now GP thinks I need another one. In addition to taking Vitamin D & calcium it is important to do some form of weight bearing exercise, which helps to keep your bones healthy & strong. Whether it’s weight lifting, walking or exercises using your own body weight, not only is it good for our bones but it also helps with menopausal weight issues. Im so glad to have found this app and all of you who are on the same confusing & often difficult journey through menopause & post menopause! Finally I know that I’ve not gone crazy or lost my mind these past few years-thanks to all of you!! ?
OK6 years ago
Dear Tina, I have a history of osteoporosis in my family and have to take extra care to maintain strong bones and muscles to support them. I don’t do gym and yoga does not help bones. So instead I do a 12 minute Royal Canadian Airforce set of exercises daily. Because you already have osteoporosis, you should probably check suitability with your doctor first. Here is the public link to the pamphlet, which you can print and show them. http://www.corvedale.com/5bx/xbxPlan.pdf I can also recommend the webpages of Royal Osteoporosis Society https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis/exercise-and-physical-activity-for-osteoporosis Be well
Sunny6 years ago
Running and taking calcium and magnesium supplements. I’m hoping it helps ?
Kayla6 years ago
Running, yoga and strength training. I also take vitamins for women and also lately a vitamin for menopause symptoms. I’m hoping it’ll help me in the future.
val6 years ago
I am 58 I have osteoporosis in my spine hips legs my gp started me on vitamin D as mine was depleted have autoimmune disease take lots vitamins costs me fortune . waiting for urgent scan my hips dexa scan see how much bone loss I have
Ellie5 years ago
Hi - I had a hysterectomy 10 years ago at 42 & refused initially to go on HRT due to breast cancer issues in the family. I was told to get a Dexa scan to monitor my bone density & it was repeated 3 years later. Unfortunately by then I had osteopenia (my 1st broken bone ever happened during those 3 years so I should have known). I had virtually stopped going to the gym during the latter year or so as whatever I did food or gym wise it didn’t make a blind bit of difference to the 1.5 stone I had gained post op. This news made me sit up & take action so I returned to the gym & again despite no weight loss I felt much better in myself & when my dexa scan was repeated again, I came back as “normal for my age” which was brilliant news. So my advice to anyone not taking HRT especially is to do weight bearing exercises either at home (using your own body weight) or at a gym, it really makes a difference ?
Rolphette5 years ago
I fractured femur & radius & other femur 5 years after I was seen by osteoporosis nurse & given Alendronic Acid 1xweek
Netty5 years ago
I did notice some changes in my joints a couple years ago So I started eating more calcium and d vitamin foods Weight bearing exercise is something I introduced into daily routine
Tanya R.5 years ago
An individual could get a RX from their PCP for large doses of calcium .
Julia5 years ago
I am 52 and in menopause. DexaScan showed osteopenia in spine and osteoporosis in hip. I’m taking Prescription Actonel - one pill a month - and will repeat DexaScan in 2 years.
Toni1 year ago
I was diagnosed with osteopenia 2 years ago. Mine came from something coming up in a blood test. I was then sent for a Dexa scan. I have osteopenia in my hips and lower spine. I was prescribed calcium and vitamin D. I was just wondering if anyone else gets a toothache like pain in their bones.
Pam1 year ago
I have osteoporosis and arthritis. I have noticed that I am beginning to hunch over. My dr recommended glucosamine and turmeric for me