bone density medication while on anastrozole

Posted by kamra @kamra, Feb 10, 2023

How do you feel about going on medicine for your bones when you are taking anastrozole or similar? My bone density scan showed osteopenia (I'm 67 and small so no surprise). The "neck" score was -2 and that was the worst. The others were fine. I really don't want to go on more medication, but I know that the anastrozole can be hard on bones. What is your experience?

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vivi1 | @vivi1 | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @kamra "I've seen ads for algae cal but don't know anything about it. I'm glad you had..." + (show)

While taking anastrozole, my bone health is my #2 concern (after recurrence, new primary, or metastasis, of course). I have changed my diet to protein, fats, nuts and veggies minus sugar and refined carbs, to boost muscle-bone health, and I work out with weights and yoga. As well, I supplement with Alive! Calcium Max Absorption based on red algae and includes K2 and mag, plus D3, fish oil, C, and a good daily vitamin for women 50+. My diagnosis and treatment of IDC has changed my eating habits. I have read a good many books and listened to many podcasts on nutrition, and after The Anticancer Diet recommend The Big Fat Surprise (books) and Dr. Mark Hyman (podcast). I have yet to meet anyone who wants to take their anti-estrogen pill, but while I dislike them for what they take away I also understand the need to change the environment that fed my BC.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @quimbie "I showed osteopenia for years then on a bone scan it had gone to severe osteoporosis...." + (show)

@quimbie if you were taking a therapeutic dose of strontium, it distorts your DEXA scan. Strontium is heavier than calcium and it replaces calcium in the bones, making the bones look denser. I would not necessarily trust your improved scores, but your doc knows best.

In Europe, strontium got bad press (the ranelate form) for cardiovascular risks. I don't really know if it is considered "natural" there because it is a prescription.

quimbie | @quimbie | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @kamra "I've seen ads for algae cal but don't know anything about it. I'm glad you had..." + (show)

My niece had a big improvement in her bone scan and I take the same as she did. It is all natural supplement. The meds doc wanted me to take scared me because of possible side effects.

kamra | @kamra | Feb 11, 2023

In reply to @vivi1 "While taking anastrozole, my bone health is my #2 concern (after recurrence, new primary, or metastasis,..." + (show)

Thank you. I'll check those suggestions out. I'm paying attention to nutrition like never before. I find it so hard to get 1200 mg of calcium from food. I'm at about 60 percent, maybe, with yogurt, calcium oj, nuts, veggies, milk, cheese. Lots of dairy. I wonder what will happen to my cholesterol.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @quimbie "My niece had a big improvement in her bone scan and I take the same as..." + (show)

@quimbie if strontium is in the supplement, you and your niece may not be able to be sure that the improvement on the bone scan is real. Strontium can make scans look better than they are.

nmgirl575 | @nmgirl575 | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @quimbie "I showed osteopenia for years then on a bone scan it had gone to severe osteoporosis...." + (show)

I have also grown bone proven with bone scans. Weight-bearing exercise like walking is also important. I take plain calcium citrate magnesium and zinc. I buy mine at Costco. I take 2, 500mg. morning and afternoon, because you cannot absorb it all at once. Everyone is different but natural is best, I think. Fosomax ruined my digestive system. I will never take Fosomas or any related drug like it again! Check out the side effects.

quimbie | @quimbie | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @nmgirl575 "I have also grown bone proven with bone scans. Weight-bearing exercise like walking is also important...." + (show)

Exactly and that is why I would not take any of the meds they offered and decided on Algaecal. One Dr. poo pooed it and said that is not going to help and I said well I am going to try it. I am going to tell him about the bone scan. HA.

quimbie | @quimbie | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @nmgirl575 "I have also grown bone proven with bone scans. Weight-bearing exercise like walking is also important...." + (show)

This is a Stronium boost and you take once a day in the evening and take the Algaecal in the morning and at noon. I believe it works as my bones do not hurt and ache as much as they did. I still ache as for one thing I am just old. I am sold on the Algaecal and my niece is also and I read the comments from so many women and men that take the regiment as I do. I think you for your comment but I believe the scan.

windyshores | @windyshores | Feb 12, 2023

In reply to @quimbie "This is a Stronium boost and you take once a day in the evening and take..." + (show)

Again, strontium makes bones look denser on a DEXA scan. It may help but there is no way to know. If it is effective, as I believe it might be, it works too slowly for those with high risk of fracture.

Natural is great until your bone density is severe and you fracture. Even Keith McCOrmick, who wrote "The Whole Body Approach to Osteoporosis," took meds.

I have taken all the supplements for years and I still have 7 spinal fractures.

simba2022 | @simba2022 | Feb 13, 2023

In reply to @kamra "Thank you. I'll check those suggestions out. I'm paying attention to nutrition like never before. I..." + (show)

Have you ever tried ready to drink protein shakes.like premier? They're high in calcium and taste good. I use them frequently to get .y protein in and also calcium. You can buy in most stores..