Genistein for treating bone loss

Posted by marathon @marathon, Mar 13 10:11am

Hello, I recently begin using Osteoben with genistein. It was recommended by Kim Millman. Has anyone tried this? If so, what are your thoughts?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Pennykj, please let me know if you have any results that you can share. Thank you. I have been using this for about a month. Lois

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Profile picture for pennykj @pennykj

I started taking Swanson genistein a few months ago after watching a video and researching on my own. I am 73 years old with no history of breast cancer in my family and am not on HRT. I have had no side effects, but also have no idea if it is helping.

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@pennykj

Did I miss seeing your dexa scores? You can always pay out of pocket for dexa scan if your doctor cannot make a case for dexa scan .
Are you considering bhrt? It will not reverse osteoporosis but can certainly help. May I ask what your age is?

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@pennykj

Did I miss seeing your dexa scores? You can always pay out of pocket for dexa scan if your doctor cannot make a case for dexa scan .
Are you considering bhrt? It will not reverse osteoporosis but can certainly help. May I ask what your age is?

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@gravity3
I am 73 years old; DEXA: spine -3.8; hips -2.5 (numbers stable over 2 year period); REMS: spine -3.0; hip -3.1. I am not considering BHRT based on recommendation of my gyn. I am petite and have mild scoliosis, so I am not sure my DEXA is accurate. I was seeing an osteoporosis specialist every 6 months, but after my last visit, she said "see you in 2 years."
I am taking no prescription meds. I eat a very healthy diet, including protein. I strength train 3-4x a week and have gained some muscle mass.

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Profile picture for oopsiedaisy @oopsiedaisy

Looks like it's a phytoestrogen found in soybeans that binds to estrogen receptors, i.e., it's considered a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). In theory, it might have a similar impact on bone health as HRT.

Not recommended for anyone with a history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions.

Could be something to try for women reluctant to use HRT.

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@oopsiedaisy

I have also started taking Osteoben with Genistein as I have tried going on HRT with three failed visits to Specialist's secondary to only my age, no history of breast cancer. You do have to stay on it for a while which I plan to do unless I can get someone to order HRT without having to spend a slight fortune. Good luck to everyone and so far having no issues with it. I have also been more diligent with my protein intake.

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Profile picture for pennykj @pennykj

@gravity3
I am 73 years old; DEXA: spine -3.8; hips -2.5 (numbers stable over 2 year period); REMS: spine -3.0; hip -3.1. I am not considering BHRT based on recommendation of my gyn. I am petite and have mild scoliosis, so I am not sure my DEXA is accurate. I was seeing an osteoporosis specialist every 6 months, but after my last visit, she said "see you in 2 years."
I am taking no prescription meds. I eat a very healthy diet, including protein. I strength train 3-4x a week and have gained some muscle mass.

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@pennykj Your story is similar to me. I am 75 and with petite build. My osteoporosis is worse in my spine at -4. I have osteoarthritis in my spine, which I heard can make DEXA scores look worse. My endocrinologist wants me to take Fosamax, but I have declined due to studies I read that the actual benefit to fracture reduction is minimal. So I'm trying exercise and taking a lot of supplements so I'm not sure I want to start another one, like Genistein.

I did find this in one article: "While Fosteum (Genistein) can increase bone density, the research that has been done so far did not look at whether it actually lowers your chances of breaking a bone. So right now, we cannot say that Fosteum lowers fracture risk." This sounds very similar to bisphosphonates.

I have no thyroid so take Synthroid and read that people with thyroid issues, particularly hypothyroidism, should be cautious with soy as it can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. I also have parathyroid issues. I'll have to do more research on this.

Has your doctor tried to encourage you to take any of the bone meds?

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Profile picture for daisy17 @daisy17

@pennykj Your story is similar to me. I am 75 and with petite build. My osteoporosis is worse in my spine at -4. I have osteoarthritis in my spine, which I heard can make DEXA scores look worse. My endocrinologist wants me to take Fosamax, but I have declined due to studies I read that the actual benefit to fracture reduction is minimal. So I'm trying exercise and taking a lot of supplements so I'm not sure I want to start another one, like Genistein.

I did find this in one article: "While Fosteum (Genistein) can increase bone density, the research that has been done so far did not look at whether it actually lowers your chances of breaking a bone. So right now, we cannot say that Fosteum lowers fracture risk." This sounds very similar to bisphosphonates.

I have no thyroid so take Synthroid and read that people with thyroid issues, particularly hypothyroidism, should be cautious with soy as it can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. I also have parathyroid issues. I'll have to do more research on this.

Has your doctor tried to encourage you to take any of the bone meds?

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@daisy17 Yes, my osteoporosis "specialist" doctor tried to encourage me to take Evenity or Prolia.
I also take a lot of supplements and try to purchase quality supplements, which means I spend a lot of money. I am very fortunate that I do not have any medical conditions for which I am prescribed meds. I am prediabetic, which I think is a result of genetics. I avoid eating anything with added sugar.

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Profile picture for marathon @marathon

Pennykj, please let me know if you have any results that you can share. Thank you. I have been using this for about a month. Lois

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@marathon Sorry, I do not have any results, and because I am taking other supplements, I do not know how I would isolate results.

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