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I had a physical earlier this week and while there, told my doctor about some bad bone and muscle pain I've been having (lower back, hips, arms), thinning hair, fatigue, etc. He did the normal tests for a physical and also ordered a vitamin D test and a bone density scan. I just got the results today and my vitamin D is low (24 - should be at least 32) and the bone density scan showed decreased numbers with a diagnosis of osteopenia which I understand to be a precursor to osteoporosis. He told me to take 3000 of D and 1000-1500 of calcium and we'll recheck the levels again in 3 mos. I'm way too young to have these problems. I'm 55, not overweight, but osteoporosis does run in my family - both my mother and grandmother had it and both lost significant height in their later years (although both lived to be 92). I also avoid the sun (hard to do since I live on the Texas Gulf coast), but always wear sunscreen.
Can anyone shed any light on this? Anyone been diagnosed with the vit D deficiency? If so, were you able to correct it?
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I was D deficient for a long time. I have been in the normal range this year so far. Timing is very important when you take your D. Make sure to take it after you have eaten.
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Thanks Stache. What were your symptoms?
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Are you male or female? Thin, small boned women with thyroid problems are especially prone to this condition. Some of your symptoms could be related to thyroid as well. Did he test that? I was diagnosed with osteopenia in my 40's. But, I had a total thyroid ablation in the late 1980's when I was in my early 30s and a total hysterectomy when I was in my late 30's. I was on HRT, but not higher dose. Higher does of HRT protects against osteopenia/porosis if you are post-menopausal (female, of course--lol). If a guy, low testosterone levels can also lead to osteopenia/porois. So, if male have that checked. VitD and calcium will help with further loss but will not do much to rebuild bones. You need weight bearing exercise to help--extremely important--rebuild the bone. Also, to help rebuild the bone you need Fosamax (if male)(or similar family of meds) and Boniva is especially good for women. I cannot take either because of stomach problems (which these meds greatly aggravate). I'm left with VitD, calcium, weight bearing exercise and a lot of prayer since I rarely exercise--lol. My husband is osteoporotic but that is because he takes heavy doses of steroids (inhaled and oral) for his lungs. He takes Fosamax along with VitD and calcium. His testosterone levels were fine.
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
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I'm female, DC. Tall, small-boned, thin. I am post menopausal, but don't take HRT - had hysterectomy when I was 28 but ovaries were left and worked up until a few years ago. Like an idiot, I smoked until 2 years ago and also have a history of renal cell carcinoma (removal of 1 kidney cured that) so my gyn will not prescribe HRT. I may try to talk him into it with this latest diagnosis.
My thyroid was tested with this physical - normal.
I took miacalcin for several years to help with bone pain because of a fractured sternum (car wreck). I wonder if I should get back on that? Maybe it would help with this horrible bone pain as well.
I don't exercise - I know I should, but I just hate it! This may be the kick in the butt I need though.
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Robin, I didn't really have any symptoms other than being prediabetic for the last six years. My bone density is good.
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Thin, small boned with or without thyroid still puts you at an increased risk for osteopenia/porosis. Since you are female, post meno, you need the bone density meds IMO. Why he did not give them to you is something you should ask, since it's your bones at risk.
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I was diagnosed with osteopenia at 23. Scary, I know.
Vit D deficiency is very correctable, please just make sure you take it with a full meal and use a vit D3 supplements (liquid if you can). There are many studies that suggest up to 10,000 IU of vit D is safe, but please speak with your doctor/naturopathic doctor/nutritionist first. Calcium citrate, magnesium, silica, boron and manganese are all important minerals, as are vit C and K. One of the best bone building formulas out there is Nutritional Fundamentals of Health's Osteo SAP, however you will need more vitamin D in addition to it. Avoid excessive protein, but make sure you are eating enough protein (plant sources tend to be better for bone health) and avoid excess sugar, soft drinks, caffeine and excess dairy.
"My friends, love is better than anger.
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So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
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I was diagnosed with oesteopenia to lumbar spine at age 54 (after meno). I've been taking the calcium magnesium supps in addition to 5000 IU of Vitamin D. Although I have no idea if it's improved because the doc won't ok another bone density test.
I'm also small boned except to the HIPS which are very dense.
Can hardly walk. Need hip replacement.
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I know God must have had a plan for why women are cursed with meno, I just wish I understood that plan a little better.
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Great article on VitD from NYT. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/health/27brod.html?src=me&ref=healthQuote:The current recommended intake of vitamin D, established by the Institute of Medicine, is 200 I.U. a day from birth to age 50 (including pregnant women); 400 for adults aged 50 to 70; and 600 for those older than 70. While a revision upward of these amounts is in the works, most experts expect it will err on the low side. Dr. Holick, among others, recommends a daily supplement of 1,000 to 2,000 units for all sun-deprived individuals, pregnant and lactating women, and adults older than 50.
DCNGA has left the board and is no longer taking PMs. She requests that if you wish to e-mail her to use her direct e-mail address which is: laserandiplsupport@gmail.com
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Another question - since dr has said to take 3000 IU vit D daily, with 1500 calcium, do I take all of that at one time? The vit D I got is 1000 IU so I have to take 3/day. Both Barbie and Stache said timing is important in taking vit D.
I agree DC, meno sucks- lol!
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It's best if you can try to take it at the same time every day. I try to take it early in the day but sometimes I don't really eat till around 11 AM. It's easier to remember that way. I bet barbie will have some good insight into this.
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RockingRobin wrote:Another question - since dr has said to take 3000 IU vit D daily, with 1500 calcium, do I take all of that at one time? The vit D I got is 1000 IU so I have to take 3/day. Both Barbie and Stache said timing is important in taking vit D.
I agree DC, meno sucks- lol! You can take it all at once (bedtime), but I would generally recommend splitting the minerals into 2-3 doses though out the day. Also avoid taking it with any antiacids/PPI's etc (the minerals need to be ionized by stomach acid to be absorbed) or iron and zinc supplements or foods high in these minerals as they compete for absorbtion. I really like the liquid D3 drops. Douglas makes a really good one (taste free too) that contains 1000 IU per drop. Then you can just add 3 drops (I generally do 5-10 drops) to your food or into a smoothie. So much easier than swallowing pills!
"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."
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An endocrinologist did a bunch of tests since I don't eat meat or fish. My D level was 11 and he prescribed 50,000 ui weekly. It's in the normal range now and I'm glad I don't have to remember to take it every day. My calcium was low too but not as bad and I just take calcium chews for that.
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barbiegirl wrote:
I really like the liquid D3 drops.
This is for you, Barbie: http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/3/677
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I take K2 and D3 with calcium citrate.
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There has just been a large study published stating that the taking of calcium supplements gives a 30% increased risk of a heart attack and an increased risk of strokes also. I can look it up if anyone is interested.
I have been taking 1000mg of calcium supplements a day for years......I thought I was doing the right thing for my bones. You can't win!
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I agree and disagree. D3 is more metabolically active and requires less conversian by the body. In many healthy people or those with moderate D deficeincy, D2 is probably just fine. D3 does remain the gold standard though. It is kind of like with EFA's. Flax seed oil is technically a good source of omega 3's, however it starts out as ALA and needs to be converted into EPA and then DHA, which many people are not efficient at as they lack the necessary enzymes and cofactors. If you do have all the necessary enzymes, catalysts and cofactors and are able to properly metabolize it, it isn't a big deal. However a lot of people, especially those who are the most deficient do not. Fish oil however already has been converted, the fish has already done that for you so you end up with a more direct source of the omega 3 metabolites. Both are good, but one is easier for the body to assimilate.
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It's not a comparable situation. In addition, there's no requirement for either D3 or DHA/EPA directly from the diet. D2 is adequate and only 18:2, n−6 and 18:3, n-3 are required, but in the right proportions. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19321560That most people eat garbage is another matter.
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