Osteoporosis in your 40s - any experience?

[giddly]

I was sent for a bone density scan a few months ago due to very strong family of osteoporosis. Have just had a letter from my GP saying they have the results and would like to discuss referring me to a rheumatologist. Has anyone had a similar experience (I'm 46)? Most of the treatment seems to be described as suitable for post menopausal women and while I'm not sure at what stage I am of the game as far as that is concerned (I've got an implant which masks any symptoms) I only shot my last child out less than 3 years ago so I doubt I'm completely in that category yet.

Any experiences or thoughts?
Thanks

just marking my place as need to go to drs about family history of osteoporosis and high cholestoral

I broke a few bones in the last few years but was told by a consultant that there was no pint going for any sorts of bone density scans until I'd gone through menopause as have to be post menopusal to recieve treatment. He advised to increase calcium in the diet and eat lots of friut and veg to help with absoption - poor spelling there due to too much wine!

good luck with your appointment

Thanks loler. Did they recommend any particular type of exercise?

I was diagnosed with Osteopenia (early stages of osteoporosis) when I was 34...big shock as I was not expecting it. I agreed to be tested as part of a survey for Coeliac disease (which I have and there is a link between the two. My bone density then was 87%....meaning I had lost 13% of my bones density already at 34 years old. This meant I had the bones of a post menopausal women. Could be wrong but think he said I had the bones of a woman twice my age!!!!
I was prescribed calcium and vitamin D tablets. Have been scanned again but was not told if they had improved as they said the analysis was not done in % any more so could not compare the results Good thing about finding out early was I focused more on my diet and exercise..hopefully these are helping me. I have never broken a bone so would never really have known if not for the survey.

I was told to take Magnesium in addition to Calcium & Vit D as this helps with absorption. Alchohol is not good for bones apparently. Walking & weight bearing exercise is recommended to build up bone loss. Can recommend Cytoplan for supplements as these are food state & vegetarian.

A-ha - the alcohol is where I'm going wrong then!!

I'd forgotten about the vitamin D thing - I was told not to bother with supliments as a normal healthy diet and going into the sun would be enough.

Was told just to keep normally active, not given any further advice on excercise.

It really depends on your results. You need to know the precise T scores. You might have full blown osteoporosis or you might have osteopenia- the stage before.

I was diagnsoed with osteopenia at around your gae.

No family history and no risks except being small and under 8 st. in weight.

It depends what route you want to take. I was offered bisphosphonates by GP- such as Fosomax- but the side effects can be unpleasant and not everyone is convinced ot its merits.

I decided to try lifestyle changes and read alo t about what I should be doing in that way. I got a personal trainer for a few sessions to learn which resistance exrecises are best.

I also take Osteocare with is a calcium and magnesium supplement, and Vit D.

I have since had 3 more bone scans and each time jhave seen an improvement. My spine is ow normal and my hips are still osteopenic byt no quite so bad.

Coincidentally I have been on HRT for 2 years and this will help my bones although it is not prescribed as a first choice treatment by some drs. I am not on it for my bones, but for menopausal symptoms.

The National Osteoporosis Society has lots of info and you can also get leaflets nad books etc on what to do.

loler- reading your posts I'd say your dr was not especially helpful.

Recently, NICE decided that some drugs were only to be prescribed for post menopausal women, but my GP would have given me them before if I had wanted.

I had my bone scan 7-8 years before meno and had I not had it, and waited, then my bones would be in much more of a serious state.

a "normal healthy diet" is one thing, but you eed at least 1000mgs calcium a day and a bit more really . If you are getting this, fine, but do you know you are?

It reaal worries me that some drs are so unhelpful- it is as if they are happy to hand out meds once there is a real problem but are not especially helpful when it comes to educating patients, and prevention.

Thanks for that information - I'm going to go at look at the association website, will keep it mind for the future. I guess I'm quite bad at blindly believing what I'm told be a doctor!