Estrogen and bone density
Common Questions and Answers about Estrogen and bone density
cenestin
Femara is used in estrogen receptor positive breast cancers to prevent cancer recurrence. It decreases the amount of estrogen in the body. Estrogen protects bone strength and if estrogen levels fall then there are increased chances of osteoporosis which can result in fractures. So calcium supplements are prescribed along with femara.There are few studies that do suggest that calcium supplements increase the risk of heart attacks. Discuss it with your doctor.
In June 2013 I had another bone density scan and it shows a decrease in bone density, not as severe as previously, but it is not stable either. I am back on the Estrogen patch and continue the Citracal Plus D. I stopped the Fosamax in June.
I do think treatment was the cause of the decrease in bone density.
I don't really have any suggestions for alternative treatments other than to be sure you are getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D.
I have osteoporosis/osteopeneia (it is a genetic problem) and recently I did a bone density scan and my bone density had decreased (the last I did was 4 years ago and it had been stable since the first I had done 8 years ago). So this was a negative change.
Eight months ago I gave up sugar and refined foods totally. I eat mostly organic and have a varied diet. I exercise regularly. I don't take any medication except for anti-histamines at the moment.
As we age the bones can lose density and become weak and fragile. With a weakened bone, any fall could result in a fracture.
Fractures most commonly occur in the spine, wrist and hips, other bones such as the arm or pelvis can also be affected.
If you and someone you know has osteoporosis, the doctor will normally prescribe calcium and vitamin D to be taken every day.
Calcium builds up the bones and Vitamin D helps the body to absorb the calcium.
Hi - after I finished chemo and starting rads in 2003 I was prescribed tamoxifen, took it for 2 months and my Oncologist changed me to Arimidex (one of the aromatose inhibitors) which I think has a 50% better prognosis for non recurrence than the old "gold standard" tamoxifen. I was thrilled, as it had just come on to the market here in England.
However, 4 yrs down the line, I stopped it 4 weeks ago, due to severe bone pain (hips, hands and feet) and the pain has gone!
I’m 48 yrs old & perimenopausal. I have hormonal headaches and breast tenderness. Recent symptoms - brain fog during my period, insomnia and itchiness (from the inside, out). An antihistamine tablet will work for a day or two but then the itching returns. It is not due to dry skin or a food allergy. I have no hot flashes or vaginal dryness though I have had an occasional hot flash when under stress or excess sweating but not on a regular basis.
Actually we are having a lot of problems with the medication she is on now. She has had bone density scans and her bones are fine. She has not stopped taking any medications as of yet. She was switched from an oral estrogen pill to a patch. Her family physician and her gyn are now ok with her either continuing her estrogen or discontinuing as she sees fit. Right now that is not at the top of her list.
as far as your estrogen levels are concerned, mine were extremely low but my RE wasnt worried and assured me i still have a chance to conceive. ususally it takes about 1 year after you stop your birth control to get pregnant. it may be harder since your peroids are irregular which means you'll ovulate later in each cycle. my guess is since you havent have your peroid in 4 -5 months you can still get pregnant.
Lancet. 1992 Jul 4;340(8810):9-13.
Long-term thyroxine treatment and bone mineral density.
Franklyn JA1, Betteridge J, Daykin J, Holder R, Oates GD, Parle JV, Lilley J, Heath DA, Sheppard MC.
Abstract
Studies of the effect of thyroxine replacement therapy on bone mineral density have given conflicting results; the reductions in bone mass reported by some have prompted recommendations that prescribed doses of thyroxine should be reduced.
My oncologist suggested Effexor which has not worked. She wants me to start Arimidix soon. I had a bone density scan and it came back -2.1 (osteopenia). Based on the bone density scan and the hot flashes, I do not want to take Arimidix. I want to start bio identical hormones. My onclogist is very much against this decision. I have looked for clincial trials for BHRT & breast cancer and found nothing. There seems to be no solution for hot flashes for breast cancer patients.
t worsened as far as sleep difficulty, but my sleep is even less sound due to night sweats and getting up to pee and drink water several times a night. If I could take HRT, I would. Estrogen does contribute to breast health changes, but if you are a good candidate for HRT, it has its merits. Besides helping with symptoms, it helps you maintain bone density. If you are in a high risk category for osteoporosis and low for breast cancer, you might consider HRT. Good luck!
In pre-menopausal women, the ovaries create most of the estrogen, and after primary treatment, taking Tamoxifen will be sufficient to block estrogen from cancer cells. If needed, for young women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, ovaries can be temporarily shut down with ovarian suppression injections. For high-risk women, ovaries can be surgically removed (oophorectomy).
Well, my gyno says she would like me to be on estrogen only if my labs come back showing it's needed because she says she worries about osteoperosis. I do not have a uterus so I don't need progesterone she says. I have no idea about any of this because I had my uterus removed 10 years ago and I pretty much forgot about it. But her concern is that I'm only 43 and I"m very thin with all of these thyroid issues along with the whole GERD and taking prilosec everyday.
I need to take it to project my bone density. Most of all my specialist and drs except for one specialist says I need to take combined hrt. Estrogen only taken by a lot of women in the 60 s showed there was an increase in uterus cancer for those who had their uterus in tact. The 70s saw a big increase in this type of cancer which is why they prescribe combined.
I believe they use the bone density average of a 29 year old woman. And regardless of age of the woman, they compare their current density with that of the healthy 29 year old. They do NOT compare the result with that of someone of the same age.
In my opinion, that makes sense. To compare what the body wants to when it was in the prime and health. Using that same logic, they should compare the same hormone levels with someone who is in their prime.
Recommended
