Menopause Discussion > Alternative Therapies
Bone density - alternative therapies?
threetims:
Hi all I hope you can help. It seems that being 44 and a year and a half into the menopause the medical establishments main worry is my bone density and how affected I will be at a later date. I have tried two different tablet forms of HRT, coupled with the mini pill, that had such a devastating effect on my personality I binned them both 3 weeks ago (and have felt better ever since!) under the premise of getting a mirena coil fitted today, and being prescribed HRT in gel form as a result of having said coil fitted. Long story short, went to the doctors after a month wait for said appointment and she told me it was yet another consultation (had the same consultation a month ago at the menopause clinic in Leeds, doctor didn't send her a letter like she said she would) and that I would have to wait another month for a reschedule. Fact is I don't even want the mirena fitted, am only doing it to try this different form of HRT (gel) and not have to take two lots of tablets that, quite frankly, drive me nuts. My question is, are there any solid alternative remedies out there I can possibly take to help with the bone density? I really don't want to have to carry on with the trial and error of HRT, and all search engines are overwhelming with what could be right or wrong and might just be a waste of money. I eat well, and do yoga and lots of walking. Please help, at the end of my tether and feeling very low about this today.
CLKD:
:welcomemm:
Lots of brisk walking in the sunshine! Cheaper than the gym though that is another idea for the colder months. Apparently 10 mins daily helps keep bone density OK. A good diet, including dairy and plenty of hydration as well as taking 'me' time for relaxation. Maybe walk with friends? or borrow a dog ?
You could have a look at the osteoporosis support web-site too for ideas.
The idea of HRT is to keep bones and heart healthy, replacing oestrogen in particular that the body should be making until our mid-50s, though peri can arrive at almost any age ::).
We have several sporty threads on here ::) - also skipping and using a hoola hoop …….. :D
Browse round, make notes!
Dancinggirl:
At your age HRT is your best option, at least until you are 50, to really help your bones and heart for the long term. Also if you are low on oestrogen so young you are more likely to get vaginal atrophy and bladder problems - I'm 60 and can tell you that you really don't want these problems too early. The Mirena may well be a good option for you as less progesterone is absorbed around the body so generally fewer side effects. Oestrogen is the ‘feel good hormone' and Oestrogel is brilliant as you can adjust the amount you use to what you need.
After having the Mirena fitted there may be some initial side effects for a few weeks but once your body adjusts and welcomes the hormones you should feel much better.
You could risk not having any HRT and simply ensure you have a good diet with plenty of Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D (supplements as well) and ensure you do a lot of appropriate weight baring exercise e.g. jogging, walking etc - I'm afraid Yoga isn't the right exercise for bones although great for everything else. Even with HRT it is good to take Vitamin D to ensure you are absorbing the calcium from your diet properly. You don't say whether you have had a DEXA scan or not - you should get a scan done to see how your bone density is right now.
Are you getting any other meno symptoms yet e.g. flushes, night sweats, aches and pains, poor sleep, low mood etc.
You don't say which HRTs you have tried and or how long you took them - most HRT treatments take 3-6 months to settle so one does need to persevere.
HAve a look under TREATMENTs at the top of this page to see your options. Keep us posted. DG x
threetims:
Thanks all. I am a dog walker by trade so get plenty of walking done every day, yoga, swimming and badminton. Not much for gym/weights type stuff. I found the two different HRT's I tried (femoston and elleste duet 1 and 2mg) combined with the cerelle mini pill made me feel worse than any of the actual menopausal symptoms did, anxiety through the roof, constant weeping over everything and nothing, irritable, mood swings from one minute to the next, feeling like I could actually harm myself if I didn't punch something - I literally am exhausted by it. And it's taking a toll on my relationship which adds insult to injury. I don't suffer from hot flushes or insomnia thankfully. It's the loneliness of it I find hard to deal with, even though I know millions of women are going through it every day I still feel like I'm on my own, and the docs aren't helping by messing me around. From what you've said I will have to go down the mirena coil/hrt gel route as I don't appear to have many other options. I am interested in other cultures who seem to not suffer from menopausal symptoms, the japanese for example apparently don't have a word for it! Something to do with vast amounts of soya/tofu and the like. I guess this, like supplements, would help but not eradicate, because of my age. Thanks again guys and I will do some further reading around here.
Dancinggirl:
threetims - If you had HRT together with Cerelle then it's no wonder you had bad PMT etc. this would have given you way too much progesterone. There is some evidence that a diet high in phyto-estrogens can relieve menopause symptoms however I have tried this and haven't found it helps at all - there could be some protection for the heart but I'm not sure it helps the bones.
If you have the Mirena this gives you convenient contraception through the peri stage, protects your womb lining from building up, brings fewer if any progesterone side effects and allows you to use the oestrogen your body so badly needs. The low mood, anxiety and irritability you are suffering from may well be to do with the lack of oestrogen (these are typical meno symptoms) so 2 pumps per day of Oestrogel could well give you the physical and mental boost you need.
You seem to be getting good advice from the doctors, many women have to fight to get HRT treatment, so whilst you may feel frustrated with things right now I would go with the advice you have been given and see if it all helps - I suspect in the six months you will feel so much better in yourself once the right hormone balance is in place. DG x
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