Severe osteoporosis at age 29. Is Calcichew and D3 enough?

I had to look those conditions up, and the long list of causes (easy to google so I am sure you have). Do you know why you have hypogonadism? Did you lose a lot of weight (one of many causes)? Is the Ovreena a band aid while you figure out the root cause or is it a cure? Why is the pituitary not functioning? (Sorry for the questions, seems complicated...)

I have been told, after menopause, that estrogen can maintain bone density but is not a strong bone builder. Check that with your doctor.

I was on a cancer drug that eliminated estrogen from adrenals post-menopause and I lost bone density quickly. Sorry that has happened to you at such a young age. A score of -4.1 is serious. I fractured at -3.7 (spine).

I did Tymlos and regained density but since Tymlos and Forteo work through the parathyroid will they work with a non-functioning thyroid? Evenity seems to be use a lot these days to build bone quickly. It certainly seems like a bone builder would be helpful and that just calcium and D3 along with renewed estrogen would not rescue you but could be a maintenance regimen at some point.

I'm glad the Ovreena seems to be helping. Keep us posted! Do you have an endocrinologist?

Hi there,

I had very bad stomach problems which caused my BMI to drop but I think it was perhaps down to stress. I have put on about 5 pounds since I cut out gluten and gotten over them. Ovreena is a form of estrogen. I have an endocrinologist and that is the only thing along with Calcichew and vita D3 that she has prescribed. Should I seek advice from another endocrinologist?

Your endo seems to be covering all of the bases so I personally would trust her advice at this point.

@hmoon Ovreena is a contraceptive that has two ingredients, Levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol . https://www.rxreasoner.com/drugs/ovreena

"Ethinylestradiol is chemically and biologically identical to endogenous human oestradiol. It substitutes for the loss of estrogen production in menopausal women, and alleviates menopausal symptoms. Estrogens prevent bone loss following menopause or ovariectomy.

The precise mode of action of levonorgestrel as an emergency contraceptive is not known. At the recommended regimen, levonorgestrel is thought to work mainly by preventing ovulation and fertilisation if intercourse has taken place in the preovulatory phase, when the likelihood of fertilisation is the highest. "

With a score of -4.1 I would not think estrogen, D3 and calcium would be sufficient to bring you to a safe level of bone density and quality. This regimen would be good for prevention and maintenance, I would think. I wonder if you can ask your doctor about whether they think this will address your severe loss of bone density. You can also get a second opinion. You are young and I am glad you might be gaining weight. (I gave up gluten and dairy which helped GI!).

There are other supplements that can be taken to help with bone building. And my doctor has recommended the following: I've been taking from Ancestral Supplements 2 supplements - Bone and Marrow and Living Bone, AlgaeCal (without strontium) ordered from algaecal.com, in addition to Boron, K2-7 + D3, Ultra K4. I use ankle weights for some of my weight bearing exercises since I am petite. There are an also sports/exercises that are weight bearing - brisk walking, jogging (doesn't have to be fast, start slow and build up) tennis, dancing, jumping jacks. You needn't be an athlete to do any of these activities.
My last scan taken a year after my last one showed no progression which is good. I will retest again this year to see if I have remained stable or decreased my levels.
There is also a woman I follow, Margaret Martin, physical therapist and osteoporosis expert (MelioGuide Osteoporosis Exercise Program.) She is definitely worth looking up to get you started if you do not have a current exercise program specific to osteoporosis.
Best to you!

With a bone score of -4.1 @gigi4 and @hmoon I would consult a PT about exercise. Margaret Martin is great but those with scores that low may need to be very careful about some of the things suggested above, including weights. Caution is needed with bending, twisting, lifting, and other movements.

Thank you so much. My overall score is -3.6. but -4 in my spine. I've had quite bad bone pain since I started the Calcichew. Hopefully that means it is working and not a build up of calcium. I am staying active and moving with caution. Moderate strengthening exercises. Next week I am seeing Orthopaedics so perhaps I could mention this to them.

@windyshores
I will second your cautionary post. My spine dexa is -3.6. I asked PT about ankle weights or weighted vest and about heel drops and they said they absolutely would not recommend any of those measures. I have been given a variety of exercises that are very moderate (stretch bands and limited weight) to do, and walking for an hour a day (briskly). And like you said, no twisting, etc. PT was invaluable in demonstrating and practicing safe movements. (And I am Tymlos bound—waiting to see if insurance is going to cooperate)

Do you mind me asking what age you were put on Tymlos? I believe that is the same as the parathyroid injection yes?
I am living in Ireland and on public health. I have no private health insurance.

@hmoon I am concerned for you, since you are relying on calcium, D3 and estrogen to try to reverse pretty severe bone density issues. I am unclear why an endocrinologist would not prescribe Evenity or, if your parathyroid is working, Forteo or Tymlos. I am wondering if only the latter two are available where you are and the endocrinologist is first making sure your parathyroid is working well. My spine was -3.7 when I fractured 3 lumbar vertebrae in one moment, which permanently altered my life in terms of pain and what I can do. You are only 29 and I don't want that for you! Please be careful until the doctor can explain this (or you have seen another doctor). I don't know how the medical system works in Ireland and if there are long waits but it seems fairly urgent.