Dear Jacqui:
I am 52 years old. I've just learned from my doctor that I have the beginning of Osteoporosis. It's really upsetting me because I've been taking high doses of calcium supplements for almost two years at his advice. And I'm not comfortable going on hormone replacement therapy because of the risk of breast cancer.What should I do and why didn't the calcium supplements work?
Edith

Dear Edith:
A very high percentage of post-menopausal women have some degree of osteoporosis resulting in serious numbers of bone fractures each year, even women who are on Estrogen Replacement Therapy which slows down the disease but does not reverse it, neither does Calcium.

Calcium alone does not produce serious changes in bone mass. The reason is that most Calcium, even if taken in large doses, is not absorbed by your bones but is actually excreted in your urine. There is good evidence, however, that if you combine Calcium with other nutrients your bone density will increase. Both, Magnesium and Boron help keep calcium in the bone. There is also a suggestion that Boron may provide some additional benefits similar to the estrogen hormone without the risk.

Furthermore, Folic Acid, a vitamin of the B-family, also delivers some estrogen-like benefits and helps in averting Osteoporosis as well as other menopausal symptoms. The most potent remedy, however, doesn't come in a pill. It's exercise. There are many serious studies that document that a simple program of regular weight-bearing exercises will definitely increase bone density over time.

Even an exercise such as fast walking for thirty minutes a day can make a substantial difference. I suggest you invest in a one time lesson with a trainer to show you the appropriate weight bearing exercises and how to do them properly. Don't forget to make notes.

Jacqui

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