Osteopenia - What to take and when?
Hi there,
I am so pleased to find this support group. I am 55 years old and just in my postmenopausal stage. In Nov last year after a bone density test, I found out I had Osteopenia and after a hip scan I was told I had hip bursitis. Not sure if bursitis was because of Osteopenia. Recent blood test show there is no inflammation, so I believe the hip bursitis is almost on its way out.
For Osteopenia, I am currently having Vitamin D, 50 grams of Prunes every day for vitamin K. I have started walking and feel my strength is getting better, so will soon start exercising with a physio.
Please suggest which is better collagen or glucosamine? Also, if my calcium is within normal, still do I need to add this to my routine? (I have heard mix views about calcium supplements from different doctors, like you should have it even when if it is within normal and other one said you do not need it)
Any other suggestions are welcomed.
Thank you for reading!
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sa66, the next few years will be the time of greatest loss of bone because of continuing reduction of estrogen. You may want to consider hormone replacement, especially the estradiol patch.
Calcium levels aren't useful for determining the need for supplementation because your body keeps those levels steady borrowing from the bones prioritizing the brain's need for calcium. On the other hand excess calcium collects in soft tissue and is thought by some to be implicated in athersclerosis and heart valve calcification. I take very little calcium (maybe to my detriment), never more than 250mg at a time and always preceeded by K2 by at least an hour.
I'd recommend 5mg of type 1 collagen, but haven't an opinion on glucosamine.
It's so good that you are saving your bones.
Thank you gently.
What source of K2 do you take and how much?
goodmorning, aprilbaker.
I use Jarrow nattokinaise K2 MK-7 once a day early two hours before taking calcium. In the beginning I took it twice a day. Later studies have shown that it can stay in your body for 72 hours. I also like Superior Source MK-4 500mcg micro lingual which is said to stay in the body for 4 hours.
The endocrinologist I see says there is no good scientific evidence that taking Vitamin K2 has any effect on calcium deposition. But I don't take calcium supplements without prior vitamin K2.
If I'm busy and sort of forget to eat enough, I take extra calcium before sleeping. 250 mcg, I use the K-2 MK-4.
All my supplement intake is subject to change; I often wonder if it's all a fool's game.
Has anyone taken Proleo?
What side affects have you had?
Thank you
Do you mean Prolia? If so I have had my 2nd injection and so far the only issue is my Calcium dropped and I needed to increase my calcium other than that no side effects.
RE: potential side effect of Prolia : I had one dose of Prolia last November. Now, my blood pressure is on a roller coaster. In January, I had a 'suspicious' episode and could possibly be a side effect. I was away from home, became nauseous, then dizzy, and couldn't even walk straight. I was at risk of a serious fall. It was seriously scary because I was alone and in a foreign country. I've NEVER had BP issues before, not suffered from nausea nor dizziness
I canNOT say that all this was a side effect of the Prolia, but I'm asking around.
Has anyone else had blood pressure issues while on Prolia?????
Thanks for sharing to help others.
out of hand, doctors prescribe calcium, then call me and say, "No, your calcium is perfect; do not take any calcium." It is dangerous to have too much. Fifteen years ago, it was determined that glucosamine is useless because it is too large in supplements. Now, it might be different if it is "micronized," which my dog is on. 😉 When we take the bone supplements, there is a period of adjustment of a couple of months. Then "magically," said the NP, we adjust! It was true in my case. I've been on TYMLOS for a year and have zero noticeable side effects. I inject in the evening. I was nauseous and dizzy in the morning. One of the symptoms of the medications is a drop in BP, but it doesn't last. That is why they recommend sitting around for 10 or 20 minutes. I am on transdermal bioidentical HRT now and couldn't be happier. Please read the sections here on bone medications. There is a TON of info you would appreciate!