Abnormal bone density scan at relatively young age...

[luv2run]

I had my bone density measured yesterday for screening purposes, really just because it was convenient and to drag my mother along and, boy, was I surprised to find that it was abnormal and I'm only 36! Further to my surprise was my risk factor of having a slender build. My mother's bone density score was identical to mine and she's 20 years older with a medium frame which makes hers much, much better. My 24 year old sister's score is perfect!

This is really good news and I'm happy for them but how in the world can this happen when I'm the health nut!!! (:p ) I'm the one who runs--I'm the one who eats right--I'm the one who nags them about their health--I'm the one should have superior bone density--:D.

Oh, well, how about anyone else. Have you had your bone density measured? At what age?

I'm being told to take 1200 mg of calcium a day in divided doses, more weight-bearing exercises, keep running and follow up with my doctor.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Debbie :cool:

[wallycat]

Luv2run, it's most frustrating when you do everything right and your bod still has a mind of its own--how well I know!!!

I'm sure they asked you these questions, but just thought I'd mention incase they didn't...your periods? are they regular? Are you taking any allergy medications? How much meat do you eat (too much protein can actually leach calcium out of the bone--this includes milk)...and salt? Salt can deplete your calcium levels as well.
"eating right" is sometimes a belief we all have and by watching our diets too closely and exercising too much (I know, this sounds so crazy but there are people who take things to extreme and are unaware of it) we actually offer less than optimal conditions.

At 36 your body is starting the lovely hormonal flux...is your mom in menopause? what age??
there are so many factors that can affect bone density.....
You don't need to answer these personal things here...but things to think about. I'm not a "bone density" specialist, but you are welcome to PM me (or post here if you're comfortable) on diet suggestions/ideas/review...

It's interesting what I read just a few days ago...walking/running offer no bone protection. Short spurt type exercises they find are better...like gardening, tennis, etc.

[KathrynY]

Debbie,

Interesting... I have a family history of osteoporosis (grandmother had it, mom is borderline), am 35 and asked my doctor about a bone density test this year. She didn't recommend one until age 40. :confused: I think I'd better press the issue! What prompted you to get a screening at this time? Was your doctor receptive to the idea?

The whole thing is pretty scary, isn't it? There just doesn't seem to be any logic to these things sometimes. I think genetics must play a very strong role. The great thing is that you know about it at a relatively young age, and can take steps to make your bones stronger. I do take 1000 mg calcium, divided into two doses daily, and just added weight-bearing exercises 3x per week this year. Oh - a note on the calcium: it's my understanding that the body will better absorb it if you take it with a bit of fat.

Just want to let you know you're not the only one facing this issue.
Looking forward to hearing what others have to say on the subject.

Kathryn

[LisaSch]

mmmmmm Calcium fortified peanut butter!

[luv2run]

Wallycat,

I eat only enough protein to get by and really no added salt. My mom had a hysterectomy at around age 50 but I think she was heading towards menopause prior to that time. Maybe perimenopause is close? My periods are more regular than they have ever been which is not saying a lot! I do take Topamax (an anti-seizure medication) for my migraines and I did notice that category of drugs on the risk factor sheet. I'll bump up my calcium intake, add more weight-bearing exercise and check with my physician for possibly a more definitive test soon.

Kathryn,

I really just went for screening to persuade my mom and sister to go. Isn't that a hoot! I thought I was doing them a favor. I really haven't talked to my physician yet. In your situation, I would either insist on a screening or go to a health fair-type situation. My screening was done at a local pharmacy. BTW, the fat things sounds pretty good!

Debbie :cool:

[SusanL]

I have a script from the rheumotologist(sp?) for a full body scan in my purse waiting for me since March~~~~ I know, and my mom has osteo!! Calcium is a big factor and I also run. I have arthritis in the joints of my hands but it is so difficult not doing the things you love because it hurts. My Dr told me that all of the exercising I do is the wrong kind because of my hands:(
Debbie check in with your doctor, perhaps he/she can give you more information BEFORE you start to panic!!

[luv2run]

Thanks, Susan!

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think I'm holding out for a repeat normal test since I don't "feel" like this result should be right--:D What a response for an RN!!!

You're right though. I've made an appointment with my physician. Maybe he'll order a DEXA scan which should be more definitive.

Debbie :cool:

[Hoosier65]

My mother just had back surgery for Spinal Stenosis. She also has osteopeosis. At 55 I just had a bone scan and was normal. From what I understand spinal stenosis is hereitary. I am in search of the proper exercises to help prevent it from happening to me. I do a low impact circuit training type exercise now and keep active in the garden. As for calcuim, if I take supliments they tend to effect my problem with IBS so I lay off those. My doctor didn't say anything about taking them. I feel so young mentally why can't our bodies reflect how we feel inside?

[nancymaring]

check out the strongwomen.com web site. it is all about this subject.
also, check out her books. lots and lots of information. her "strong women, strong bones" book would be the one i would suggest for you.
i love the exercises she gives. easy to do at home, and they really do make a difference.

nancy

[Jewel]

I will be 40 in July, and I've been wanting to get a bone density test since I was 35, but my doctors have always said 'wait until 40'. My problem is that I have barely broken a sweat exercise-wise in the past 25 years! That's starting to change now, but I still have had very little weight-bearing exercise in my past. My protein intake has been good, but I've stayed away from a lot of dairy products in the past 7 or 8 years because of the fat content and I don't drink milk! I try to take calcium, but I'm very inconsistent. I just can't stick with that every morning pill no longer than a week at a time before I fall out of the habit! I eat a very lowfat diet and my cholesterol level is way below normal, but I know that has little if any effect on the bones.

My mother started going through menopause at age 45 and didn't stop until nearly 60! :eek: Her mother went through menopause at 45 also but finished within one year. Both had osteoarthritis, but not severely. I already have arthritis in some joints!

The rheumotologist that I saw in October for my arthritis and tendonitis sent me for a 'bone scan' to see where the arthritis was. I was injected with nuclear dye and had to lay on a table perfectly still for nearly a half hour while this machine moved slowly from my skull to my toes and back again. She said this was only to see where the bone deterioration was as arthritis, but wasn't a bone density scan. That I need to schedule this summer.

For those of you in the know...can abnormal bone density be corrected with diet and medication (calcium) like high cholesterol can be corrected? Or are you pretty much set... :(

[wallycat]

Jewel,
I'm not sure I'm "in the know" but have read some info on this...
Raloxifene and Fosomax have been shown to provide some bone increase as has hormone replacement therapy. Still, weight bearing exercise is necessary to encouarge bones to deposit calcium and make them stronger--as well as a healthy diet with calcium included--not necessarily milk; Cheese/yogurt/dark greens, almonds, sardines with bones, etc. are all good sources. All of these meds have side-effects (some worse than others) which is why they are not Rxed routinely.

[penguin]

Jewel et al,

From what I understand from my mom (who has the beginnings of osteoporosis and is on hormone replacement therapy) and articles I have read on the subject, there is nothing that can be done to INCREASE bone density. All you can do is MAINTAIN your current bone density level. I believe that your bone density level is determined/built up between the ages of around 15-25 and after that, you cannot increase it. I know this sounds discouraging, but it is better to maintain what you have than to let it decrease, right? Weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium intake, and meds/HRT in extreme cases are pretty much the only line of defense.

Since I am in my late 20's, I am trying to work on the weight-bearing exercise & calcium intake, but I hear you that it is not always easy. But at least have this knowledge, unlike our mothers at our age.

[nancymaring]

sorry peguin....i have to disagree with you. from what i have read you CAN increase your bone density with proper diet, and weight bearing exercise.
again, i sugguest you read the "strong women" books. miriam nelson has done extentive research with tufts university....starting her research with the very elderly, 80 years and above, she noted that with simple weight bearing exercises, two times a week, these people did increase their muscle and bone density. some were even able to get rid of their canes and walkers!!

all for now...have a splendid day...nancy

[wallycat]

I also feel in can be increased..
check out this website:

http://www.orst.edu/dept/ncs/newsarch/2000/May00/boneloss.htm

[stefania4]

Are you asthmatic by any chance, or taking steroids for any reason? Steroids (inhaled as by asthmatics or oral for other reasons) can cause bone density to drop. So can hormonal issues; because of endometriosis I had to go into a temporary (hellish) menopause for six months when I was 27. The biggest concern my doctors had was my bone density, and I had to eat LOTS of calcium-rich foods and do my weight-bearing exercise.

Also, any kind of eating disorder - particularly in the teenage years - is practically guaranteed to negatively affect bone density.

Thank goodness you found out now so that you can begin addressing it!

[Tiger]

I'm almost 36 and had a normal dexa scan. (I only had one because I do them and one day I hopped on the table!)
Here are some facts:
You can increase your bone density up to age 35. After that you can maintain it.
Certain dieases and drugs can increase your chances of osteo.
There are a lot of new drugs out there that can help!
And yes we aren't supposed to shrink when we get older!!!! People crack me up when I measure them and they have lost some height. They think that's just a normal part of getting older! It's not! It needs to be prevented and stopped!

[memartha]

I had a heel scan 2 years ago, after my mother found out she had osteoporosis. All the older women there were wondering what I was doing there (I was 36 at the time; they appeared to be in their 60s!) but the scan was -1 which indicated I was headed for (or have started?) osteoporosis. I have also noticed my back is starting to have that "hunchback" look, like my grandmothers. I have a slim build, am Caucasian and had an eating disorder when I was in my teens, so I guess I'd better get with the program. It's so easy to forget about this, but I guess I'd better start paying attention. Martha

[KathrynY]

I'd forgotten about this old thread, but I came here looking for information. I had a bone density test done today (free screening at the local community college where I take some courses) - results indicate osteopenia (bone thinning - risk for osteoporosis) so they recommended I follow up with my physician for a full scan. Now I'm waiting for her office to call back, hoping that the test results will be enough to convince her (and my insurance company :rolleyes: ) to schedule it. Why do I suddenly feel really old? :(

I did read some articles on WebMD this morning about medications available that can actually help build bone density. I guess I'll be doing a lot of research before I see my doctor again - I'm going in armed with questions! Anyone have any new wisdom to share?

[funnybone]

Originally posted by KathrynY
I did read some articles on WebMD this morning about medications available that can actually help build bone density. I guess I'll be doing a lot of research before I see my doctor again - I'm going in armed with questions! Anyone have any new wisdom to share?

Never mind the medications, they have found a study that drinking tea does this. I posted info on it on this thread ( [url=http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25812&highlight=green+tea), but I have copied it here anyway:


Tea- Black or green, tea is packed with natural fluoride that can help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease and cavities. Green tea, in particular, contains compounds called phytochemicals, which act as powerful antioxidants in the body. As a result, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the incidence of stroke. One recent study showed that women ages 65 to 75 increased their bone density significantly by drinking at least one cup of tea each day. To protect your health, boost your intake of tea

From Family Circle article Natural Remedies Physicians Swear By

[1MegMeg]

^^^^

I need to drink more tea! :)

On a rather interesting note, related to this all. My boyfriend, Brian, who is 24 years old got a bone scan done at work. He works in the IT department of a hospital and when he was working in the radiology area he got it done for free. Anyhow, the bone scan showed that he, at 24 years old, has osteopenia. :eek:

[KathrynY]

Originally posted by funnybone
One recent study showed that women ages 65 to 75 increased their bone density significantly by drinking at least one cup of tea each day. To protect your health, boost your intake of tea

Thanks, funnybone! How cool - I already had a large green tea this morning :).

[funnybone]

Originally posted by KathrynY


Thanks, funnybone! How cool - I already had a large green tea this morning :).

You're welcome. It beats taking meds. I have my green tea at lunch everyday.

[stefania4]

By age 27 mine was abnormal. Why? Anorexia in the teen years and a medically-induced temporary menopause for endometriosis when I was 25. I started weight training and taking calcium supplements, and by age 30 my bone density was greatly improved.

FYI, I'm a big fan of those tasty little Viactive candies/calcium supplements!

[Dorothy]

Wow, I did a search on osteoporosis & was so pleased to see one just a couple of days old (even though it started in June). I just got the results of my bone density test this week & was shocked to find I have osteoporosis. I'm 52 which is older than some of you posting but I always associated it with 'old' people (at least 60!). When my doctor order the test for me, I thought why is he doing this; I'm not old enough to worry about osteoporosis. I did have early menopause & have been on HRT for 7 years & am just starting to wean myself off because of the new findings. But it doesn't look like it helped in the way of bone density anyway! I'm going to start taking Fosamax. My husband kind of freaked too & made an appointment with my doctor so we can get more information. I feel better just reading about other peoples' experiences. Thanks for being there!

[HeidiD]

I just pulled up this old thread because I had a bone density scan yesterday and it indicated I have osteopenia -- losing bone mass already! I am 42 and my PA suggested I have this baseline scan done because my mom had a wrist fracture several years ago. My mom was scanned and her bone density is normal, but being a fair-complected, small-boned Caucasian female, the PA thought I was in a risk category. I was very surprised to find that she was right. The technician told me I should aim for 1500 mg of calcium a day, and said the PA or doctor would be calling me to follow up later this week. I am wondering if those of you who have received this diagnosis have had good results in upping your calcium and exercise? I am still unclear as to whether I'll be able to actually regain any bone mass or whether I just need to focus on keeping what I've got.

I love cheese and ice cream and yogurt, don't smoke or drink coffee or soda, and I have been walking regularly for 5 years. Makes me wonder how much worse my situation might have been if I'd had more risk factors!

[gabbyh]

Heidi,

I talk with women every day who have osteopenia. We recommend 1000-1500 mg of "elemental" calcium...look for the word "elemental" on your calcium supplement label...and yes, many people have vast improvement with supplements/diet/exercise! It's very encouraging...

~Gail H.

[BosunsWife]

My mom takes supplemental calcium every day under her doctor's orders. She is in menopause and started around 7 years ago. She (unlike me LOL) has a small slight frame and her doctor told her she was a prime candidate. She does weight bearing exercise about 3-4 times a week and does a lot of gardening, etc. I on the other hand have been advised that I am probably at the least risk for it (there goes the heredity/genetic thing out the window). I have a large frame (take after my dad), have lifted weights (not right now unless my 22 pounder counts LOL) and get the correct amoutn of calcium pretty much daily. I guess there is one reason to be thankful that I'm on the "bigger" side than the "smaller" side.

Thankfully I don't have to push the milk on my 3 year old, she loves it. Hope that continues.

[valchemist]

I have heard (from a nutritionist) and I have read a book by a noted authority in the field that said calcium may not be the key to bone strength and that a lack of calcium may not be the cause of osteoporosis. It seems that the jury is still out on that.

[Zinnia]

Originally posted by funnybone


You're welcome. It beats taking meds. I have my green tea at lunch everyday.

Silly question but, what kind or brand of tea do you drink? I drink alot of Lipton tea (made with the bags) and I believe it is black pekoe tea. Is that just as good?

This thread was very interesting and makes me want to go have a bone density test myself. Since last year I wonder how many have been able to up their bone density, and what worked for them? I know everyone is different and sorry if I am being nosey.. ;) Zinnia

[luv2run]

Gee, I just realized I forgot to post a follow-up on my own thread--:o!!

I had a DEXA scan and, much to my surprise, my bone density is excellent!!!

My doc told me that my narrow heels may have caused the initial measurement to be falsely low.

Anyhoo, I started a good regimen of increased calcium intake and I'll stick with it now (like Stefania4, I love those little calcium chews). I do think that enough studies have been done to support calcium as a defense against osteoporosis.

Debbie :cool:

[claire797]

Has anyone else been not-so-lucky with their DEXA scan? I received some bad news today and am worried about next steps :( . Are there any cures for osteoporosis other than estrogen therapy? Are the side effects of the new bone-building drugs really as gruesome as they sound?

I've done some research today and am feeling a little blue at the moment. A visit with a specialist is forthcoming, but I am afraid of what's next. If you would like to share your experience, I would sooooo appreciate a PM. Thanks!

[ktg0930]

The bone building drugs (bisphosphonates) such as fosamax are not so bad. Some can be taken once a week rather than daily and if taken as directed (before having anything else to eat, remaining standing or sitting upright for 30 minutes) will minimize the side effects. 1500 mg of calcium per day in divided doses is also recommended for diagnosed osteoporosis. Calcium carbonate needs to be taken with food but calcium citrate does not. Hope this helps.

[claire797]

Originally posted by ktg0930
The bone building drugs (bisphosphonates) such as fosamax are not so bad. Some can be taken once a week rather than daily and if taken as directed (before having anything else to eat, remaining standing or sitting upright for 30 minutes) will minimize the side effects. 1500 mg of calcium per day in divided doses is also recommended for diagnosed osteoporosis. Calcium carbonate needs to be taken with food but calcium citrate does not. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info :).

I guess it all depends on how sensitive a person's GI tract is. Can biphosphonates be taken by women who aren't postmenopausal? I've googled my head off trying to research and have to stop because Internet literature is giving me anxiety attacks. It is so comforting to hear real life experiences.

[DocAgocs]

Get a different scan in a different place and you may get a completely different result. There are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many more factors having to do with bone density than just calcium. If I had a dime for every MD that told their patients "Take 1200mg of calcium and you'll be fine" I'd be a rich man. If I had a dime for every MD that said that and was wrong, I'd be just as rich!

I'm convinced that 90% of all doctors of all type slept through all the classes in school that matter. Yes, minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese and a bunch of others are important to bone density. The form you get the minerals in are critical, too. Your body's ability to USE these minerals is even more important.

Bone density has to do with minerals in your diet, protein, fats, what you are and are not eating, endocrine system function (particularly in females), other conditions, medications, bone metabolism (yes, bone is very active. It just doesn't sit there) etc etc etc. To say "1200 mg of calcium" is about as absurd as saying "flap your arms REALLY fast and you'll fly!"

The best book I've seen on bones available to the public is Perfect Bones. It has a lot of stuff about muscle testing for nutrition using Contact Reflex Analysis, which I think you can skip over, but the general info is priceless. Doctors have done an amazingly poor job helping people with their bone health. Calcium is close to being the least important aspect of what is needed to be done, honestly.

[Valerie226]

I had a screening Dexa scan last year at age 55 cause I was trying to get off hormone replacement & I wanted a baseline.It was not terribly expensive and they check several areas. your hip and lower spine and another spot. thigh? I would recommend you get something more than a drug store screen cause they have a lot of variables. You don't want to worry about something that may not be true. I turned out to be in much better shape bone-wise than I would have believed.

[RD chef]

The fosamax and actonel (biphosphonates) have no studies to prove efficacy in pre-menopausal women. I took them for almost 2 years, and had no real improvement in my bone mass. The side effects for me, far outweighed the possible benefit I would ever see, being only 33. I suffered terrible reflux and stomach problems.

[claire797]

Originally posted by Valerie226
I had a screening Dexa scan last year at age 55 cause I was trying to get off hormone replacement & I wanted a baseline.It was not terribly expensive and they check several areas. your hip and lower spine and another spot. thigh? I would recommend you get something more than a drug store screen cause they have a lot of variables. You don't want to worry about something that may not be true. I turned out to be in much better shape bone-wise than I would have believed.

Thanks Valerie,

I didn't have a drugstore screen but rather a Dexa. The did the hip, upper spine, lower spine and femur and the results showed that I have osteoporosis at age 33. My guess is my bones have been this way for quite awhile though, as I was somewhat malnourished as a teen.

I'm going to see an endocrinologist on Tuesday and will see what she says. It's probably going to be Fosamax or some sort of ERT. It would be nice if I could just follow some sort of nice exercise/calcium program....and in my heart that's what I want, but based on the density scores, I think I'm past that point.

Today I'm doing as much research as possible so I can go into the doctor's office armed with information. Apparently there are other drugs besides Fosamax -- Actonel, Evista, and Calcitonin.

[DocAgocs]

Fosamax and drugs like it do not increase bone density. They destroy the activity of certain bone cells, leaving behind more brittle bone. There are two types of bone cells: osteoblasts, which lay down new bone and osteoclasts, which resorb old, brittle bone. Fosamax destroys the activity of osteoclasts, so your "more dense" bones are nothing other than brittle, old, worn out bone. No stronger, but looks a little better on an x-ray or density test. Very misleading.

[Valerie226]

Claire797, I was actually responding to the luv2run way back at the beginning of the thread cause she had only had a drug store scan at the time. for some reason my post got out of place, unless about 15 people all posted at the same time.

Good luck on bone building. I'm thinking fosamax is better tolerated these days because it's once a week dosing now. I've been unable to get off HRT, only reduced a little. Just can't tolerate the symptoms. I do lots of exercise, take calcium daily, and have a good diet. Good luck with the endocrinologist.

[Xbones]

I've been on Fosamax for 4 years and I'm now 50. My hips were below normal when I first started - after 2yrs and a second test - they are normal. But my wrists came back "bad". (the first test didn't do wrist). So it is working for me! But I don't take any Calcium supplements because that combination was giving me indigestion. The doc. told me it was more important to keep on the Fosamax and get off all the extra calcium. I'll get third test done in the fall and see where I stand pretaining to my wrist. It's a pain but I sure don't want to break anything, and there really are no other options for us.