AIBU to be feeling low that I have an osteoporosis diagnosis at 52?

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I realise there are far worse things that could happen to me.

However, after a routine DEXA scan - I've had fairly stable osteopenia for over 9 years due to an early menopause - my neck of femor is moving into osteoporosis territory. On the line.

I do weights, I take exercise seriously and have done for years - I've taken calcium and Vit D for years too. And yet, I'm still at this place.

I feel worried about falling, worried that it's going to keep getting worse.

I've got an appointment in Jan with a bone consultant who's great, but just...well, just wanted to voice my frustration with it.

Have you had your adjusted calcium and parathyroid levels checked?

Hugs and 💐OP.

Getting a diagnosis like that must be scary.

No, should I? I don't know anything about this.

There is a strong family pull towards osteoporosis

I discovered I had osteoporosis this year (I am a similar age to you), and yanbu, it does take a while for it to sink in.

I came round to the view that is much better to know than not know, as at least you can take steps to address it. I have been taking medication and have upped my exercise regime this year and am really hoping this can stop it in its tracks. There are some good FB groups out there for support and I found the national osteoporosis charity helpline really helpful.

Hope you don't mind me asking, why did you get referred to a bone consultant? This wasn't offered to me at all - I did think that with a potentially serious condition it would have been offered.

Sorry to hear this OP, must be very disappointing. I'm 47 and have osteopaenia too (menopause started at 43) and I'm really hoping it doesn't develop into osteoporosis. Like you I take supplements and do plenty of exercise but some of us are just unlucky I guess! Hope you're ok 💐

Have a read of this and see if you have any of the symptoms. Osteopenia can be one of the consequences but you will have many symptoms indicating hyperparathyroidism if you have it.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/hyperparathyroidism/

Hello, I'm sorry to hear you're in the same boat.

I wasn't referred. I'm seeing him privately to chat through options.

I had it at 49 due to my doctor refusing to test me [or take me in any way seriously] when I went into early menopause at 42. It is quite a scarey thought but HRT certainly helped me. It had reduced by the next DEXA scan.

Hi OP, it can be linked to hyperparathyroidism so worth a test to confirm that’s not the underlying reason. You won’t necessarily have other symptoms. I hope the appt you have is reassuring and all goes ok. It’s a lot to take in at the moment and will be a shock

I've had the same this year - no opportunity to speak to a consultant. I've started my research - enough to know I'm not going to take Alendronic Acid - I'm too young and the side effects are horrific and more likely the longer you take it, I got my blood test results - all normal, I've started on a few supplements magnesium Vit K fish oil and vit D - not taking Calcium - excess quantities can cause problems as can excess Vit D, I will attack this with diet, lifestyle and HRT.
Going to book in an Echolight scan which will give me more information on bone strength not just bone density. And I'll start to get the done every year so I can monitor my progress. Not that it's cheap but I'm a clumsy bugger so tripping over things is my way of life!

I have borderline osteoporosis at 27 years old… according to the DEXA scan I had… it is depressing to think about so I try and not dwell on it too much and just do what I can to prevent any further damage being done! Sending hugs xx

I was reading that vitamin K can be really helpful for the D / Calcium absorption, something about Jarlsberg cheese! Might be worth looking into if you don't already take K. Some study was done and it helped women with bone issues.

I can't see where you can get an echolight scan in the uk. are you able to link me to locations?

I'm on the fence about bisphonates. The problem is that i think you can attack it with lifestyle, diet and exercise but there'll be a baseline that you can't change with that alone. As proven in my case!

One of my friends is a radiologist - she agreed with me that biphosphates, they do not improve bone strength - only the density, your bones need to be strong. As far as I can see studies have shown (I have read them) they make very little difference to hip results, better density results with spine , but what good is improved density if your bones aren't stronger and the dexa can't tell you. My spine scores are absolutely fine so what's the point?

You need to link up with some facebook groups to dig down into the latest research. Not trying to convince you either way - we all have to make a decision we are comfortable with - my first GP couldn't even read the scan results - he had no clue - told me lifestyle changes were absolutely pointless - thing is you need more than Vit d and calcium to build bone - you need lots of protein and collagen, you need the right Vit K to absorb the Vit D, you need Vit C - not citric acid, you need magnesium glycinate - not citrate- you need the full suite - I'm not done yet!
The consultant who read my scan results didn't feel I needed to know what he had tested me for or what my blood results were - take ownership of your health they say - no one else will - the NHS has cast me adrift before and I have healed myself (more than once).
Anyway here's the link
www.osteoscanuk.com/

DH has rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis and being tested for osteoarthritis as well. 😔

Moderate www.facebook.com/groups/381491778677183

Hardcore www.facebook.com/groups/555356381725468

There are many more - don't let perfect be the enemy of good - I can't go hardcore but I do a mix.

We all take risks with every choice but you'll consider more closely what risk suits you, that the doctor who just wants you out the door as quickly as possible without truly understanding your situation - you feeling happy about your meds is hugely important.

One of my friends is a radiologist - she agreed with me that biphosphates that should have said - she agreed with me that I was too young for biphosphates and she wouldn't take them either. And I should say I had a horrific wrist injury - still suffering 10 months later - was very careful in the ice, more so than I have ever been before.

You won't necessarily have high calcium levels either but it could still be hyperparathyroidism. Other symptoms will be more indicative.

Have you been checked for Coeliac disease?
www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/conditions-linked-to-coeliac-disease/osteoporosis/

Me too, following a surgical menopause. I'm also worried about falls and it's made me feel really old.

I work out, lift weights and take calcium/Vitamin D, magnesium and B vits.

Do you take vit k?

Please make sure that you're taking your calcium 2-4 hours apart from your magnesium as not doing this badly affects absorption.

Thanks for telling me this. I've had so little advice.
I'll take the calcium in the morning.

The facebook group called, "Hyperparathyroid UK action4change" really helped my friend who was in your position. Good luck.