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Do Post-menopausal Women Need Calcium Supplements?
Question: #1) Thank you. Please clarify CA+/Vit D supplement guidelines. Confusing as they speak of not reducing FRACTURE risk....but concern also re: bone density, osteoporosis, strength, etc. In early 60s (and forever) should (we) continue with supplements?
#2) At 93, my active hiker Aunt straight posture stopped supplements caught a bug, was "lazy like" for about 2 months and Voila developed a marked bend at lumbar spine - rarely painful, unsteady, now feeble. Fearful of falling, "Scared' to walk, get from one position to another. Lost over 3 (WOW!) inches in height. What are indications for BMD and imaging? (last all 'young for age' in 2006) She is becoming more and more distressed/depressed, an active, gregarious, formerly described as "energetic, lithe, joyous" no other health concerns , her sharp smart and witty countenance diminished sadly. I am voted to convince her kids regarding her health care needs.
Isn't this treatable? Looking ahead, preventable? Thanks again.
#2) At 93, my active hiker Aunt straight posture stopped supplements caught a bug, was "lazy like" for about 2 months and Voila developed a marked bend at lumbar spine - rarely painful, unsteady, now feeble. Fearful of falling, "Scared' to walk, get from one position to another. Lost over 3 (WOW!) inches in height. What are indications for BMD and imaging? (last all 'young for age' in 2006) She is becoming more and more distressed/depressed, an active, gregarious, formerly described as "energetic, lithe, joyous" no other health concerns , her sharp smart and witty countenance diminished sadly. I am voted to convince her kids regarding her health care needs.
Isn't this treatable? Looking ahead, preventable? Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Guidelines for calcium
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
All post menopausal women should receive calcium supplements. It has shown to decrease the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
There is no indication of BMD and imaging as of now as reduction in height is expected that that age. I would recommend general health check up in the form of
1. Blood sugars
2. Hemoglobin
3. Caclium and Vit D levels
4. Thyroid function test
5. Renal function test
6. EKG.
Anemia, late onset diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and heart related issues can also cause lethargy. I do not think this current situation of distress and depression has anything to do with not taking calcium supplements
I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me
Regards
Guidelines for calcium
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
All post menopausal women should receive calcium supplements. It has shown to decrease the risk of osteoporosis and fracture.
There is no indication of BMD and imaging as of now as reduction in height is expected that that age. I would recommend general health check up in the form of
1. Blood sugars
2. Hemoglobin
3. Caclium and Vit D levels
4. Thyroid function test
5. Renal function test
6. EKG.
Anemia, late onset diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and heart related issues can also cause lethargy. I do not think this current situation of distress and depression has anything to do with not taking calcium supplements
I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hold on: Supplements FOREVER then for women? As for my Aunt, she has been tested for diabetes, thyroid, anemia, heart disease, organ failure, kidney, liver, GI, endrocrine, neuro you name it. All aok.
A one to two inch reduction in height OVER TIME, sure BUT: She had a 3.4 inch LOSS IN HER HEIGHT WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS!!!! Went from strong and straight to bent and feeble within that time frame. Her lethargy is from this weakness and fear of falling. From ACTIVE on the go walking a MINIMUM of a brisk mile a day - average though 20 miles a week, a life filled with culture, president of 6 cultural/intellectual groups, now it takes her 10 minutes to walk to the elevator. She is bent at a pronounced ANGLE, looking at her feet standing up! Naturally she is distressed and feeling blue.
A one to two inch reduction in height OVER TIME, sure BUT: She had a 3.4 inch LOSS IN HER HEIGHT WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS!!!! Went from strong and straight to bent and feeble within that time frame. Her lethargy is from this weakness and fear of falling. From ACTIVE on the go walking a MINIMUM of a brisk mile a day - average though 20 miles a week, a life filled with culture, president of 6 cultural/intellectual groups, now it takes her 10 minutes to walk to the elevator. She is bent at a pronounced ANGLE, looking at her feet standing up! Naturally she is distressed and feeling blue.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for getting back with all the details
Yes, one calcium tablet a day is beneficial.
There is a connection between rapid height loss and several health problems especially frequent fractures and heart disease. I see that you have ruled out heart disease.
The only reason why one would lose height so fast is rapid loss of bone mass like osteoporosis secondary to hyperparathyroidism or due to fracture of the spine ( unlikely because she would be in lot of pain)
Here is what you should do
1. Get a cat scan of the spine to look for disc prolapse, fractures and loss of joint space
2. Get parathyroid hormone levels checked. Stoppig the calcium pills can trigger the parathyroid hormone
One last thing, could you please upload the tests she has undergone ?
Regards
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for getting back with all the details
Yes, one calcium tablet a day is beneficial.
There is a connection between rapid height loss and several health problems especially frequent fractures and heart disease. I see that you have ruled out heart disease.
The only reason why one would lose height so fast is rapid loss of bone mass like osteoporosis secondary to hyperparathyroidism or due to fracture of the spine ( unlikely because she would be in lot of pain)
Here is what you should do
1. Get a cat scan of the spine to look for disc prolapse, fractures and loss of joint space
2. Get parathyroid hormone levels checked. Stoppig the calcium pills can trigger the parathyroid hormone
One last thing, could you please upload the tests she has undergone ?
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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