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Osteoporosis and SSRI
last fall I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and it came as a giant shock! No one in my family ever had this diagnosis and my two older sisters who have the same body type ran out and got DEXA scans after I told them about mine. They both have normal bone density. I began researching why this happened to me and the only thing I can come up with is the SSRI medication I took for 30 years. I spoke to my doctor about this and he denied the SSRI did this to me and blamed it on menopause. I'm sure menopause did play a role, but I bet the SSRI did as well. Upon researching alternatives to an SSRI for my mental health issues-which are now much worse thanks to osteoporosis-I found that there is a drug "Buspar" that is used to treat anxiety and is not associated with bone loss. Just wondering if anyone else has switch their meds as part of their battle against osteoporosis?
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Good for you for tapering off the sertraline; it's inspiring.
How long did it take you?
Have you thought about adding estrogen/progesterone?
Once I "pass" my Cardiac Clearance for Evenity (fingers crossed), I'm going to revisit the HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.
Even past menopause, the estrogen may help stabilize bone loss and uplift mood and overall wellbeing.
The progesterone has been proven to enable sleep for many women.
I agree that night is when mind spinning seems to take hold -- especially, when one is worrying about future health concerns.
I am grateful to say that I have not experienced fractures due to my fragile frame.
As mentioned, I only had my first DXA scan in July and am trying to push through the shock of the diagnosis as I am normally quite active and have now been advised on all the things I should NOT be doing.
I have an appointment with a Physical Therapist next week to learn what I can and should be doing as far as exercise and movement.
I think that's a good spring board so to speak.
Let's keep each other posted.
Here's to stronger bones and happier times for all of us!
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1 ReactionI had never heard of SSRIs causing bone loss but I have also been on them for 50+ years. I tried Evenity but couldn’t tolerate it. I’m supposed to be starting weekly Fosamax, which I really don’t want to take either. As far as depression medication, I’m trying transcranial magnetic stimulation. It’s 5 days a week for 6 or 7 weeks, which is grueling if you have to drive very far. But I am in week 3 and can tell a difference already.
@soggybones
I did not take hrt after menopause. Ignore the 10 year thing. I am 77 and just started it last summer. Guess it is never too late.
@kjhill I'm glad the transcranial magnetic stimulation is working for you. My doctor had that, but discontinued it (He's getting older and I think he is winding down his practice). I didn't realize it was a 5 days a week thing. I assume you don't have to continue that for the rest of your life? Going in for that 5 days a week is like going to a job. However, if it helps then it's worth it. What happened with Evenity that you could not tolerate it? It's a shame it didn't work out since it's supposed to work very quickly and very effectively. I don't want to take any of these meds either. I hate it, but who wants to fracture right and left? I guess everyone has a cross to bear and this one is ours. Hang in there Kjhill!
@andi77 It took me 3 months to wean off of Sertaline. I'm sure this is a schedule that is way too fast for most people. Maybe it's way too fast for me too, but so far I'm doing OK. Anxiety and depression is an unrelenting beast it seems and I've spent my whole life fighting it. I'm so jealous of the people who don't have to work so hard just to feel normal day in and day out. I would love to do estrogen/progesterone, but I have a high risk for breast cancer. While the increased risk of cancer is small when you add HRT , when you're already at a high risk the last thing you want to do is add one more variable to increase it any more! I watched my mother, my aunt and cousin die from breast cancer and I really don't want to go that route. If it wasn't for my fear of breast cancer I would do HRT in a heartbeat! There are so many women who have benefited from it and it is safe for the vast majority. Best of luck getting approval for Evenity! I hope your cardiac assessment turns out fantastic. Yes, lets keep each other posted.