Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 I decided I wanted one done and went right out and got a bone density test so that I would have a baseline for future reference. (I was 41 at the time) It provided me with peace of mind and now I have something to compare the next bone density test to, so I'm happy! Take care, Doris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 In a message dated 9/5/01 2:50:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mlbuck@... writes: << Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have your docs recommended? Thanks! >> Yes -- get a bone density scan for a baseline, if nothing else. After my bad experience with RAI, I got hairline fractures in my ankles. A bone density scan showed that I was borderline with osteoporosis. I have a feeling that my new farmy lifestyle has improved my condition considerably, as weight-bearing is what all the " exercise " is around here, and I can do most of it without pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 In a message dated 9/5/01 2:50:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mlbuck@... writes: << Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have your docs recommended? Thanks! >> Yes -- get a bone density scan for a baseline, if nothing else. After my bad experience with RAI, I got hairline fractures in my ankles. A bone density scan showed that I was borderline with osteoporosis. I have a feeling that my new farmy lifestyle has improved my condition considerably, as weight-bearing is what all the " exercise " is around here, and I can do most of it without pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 If your insurance covers it, I'd go ahead, because it's good to have a baseline while you are still young. That way, you have something to compare with when you get into perimenopause. I just had my first scan at age 43, and I am at the low end of normal. I wish I knew what I was like in my thirties. At 01:21 PM 09/05/2001 -0500, you wrote: >How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone density scans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 Hi , There is evidence that thyrotoxicosis causes bone loss. There also seems to be recovery of that bone when one is treated. Here's a bit about a study of interest below...Also ask " are there any down sides to having a bone density scan? " Then you might have an answer about if you really need one now. http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/). ). The mean lumbar spine bone mineral density was 12.7% lower and the mean femoral neck bone mineral density was 9.9% lower in patients with active Graves thyrotoxicosis than in matched controls. Five patients had lumbar spine bone mineral density measurements less than 85% of age- and sex- matched controls (Figure 1). Although these studies are only short-term, a recent long-term study by Rosen and colleagues (12) has suggested a longer lasting and beneficial effect of antithyroid therapy on bone mineral. These investigators found that 5 years after antithyroid therapy, the lumbar spine bone mineral in their patients increased 11%. More invasive studies using iliac crest bone histomorphometry have shown a complete return to normal of cortical porosity and bone turnover after antithyroid therapy (10 Whether the osteoclastic bone resorption occurs directly because of thyroid hormones or whether it occurs because of cytokines released by activated osteoblasts remains unresolved (22, 23). Hypogonadism may also contribute to the skeletal changes occurring in postmenopausal women with thyrotoxicosis, suggesting a direct synergistic effect between excess thyroid hormones and estrogen deficiency (3, 17-21). > How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone density scans? I am recently diagnosed and have only had GD for about 6 months or less. I'm only mildly GD and my endo said I didn't need a bone density scan because it was early in the disease (of course, this is the same endo who wants me to rush right out and get RAI). So, I am appealing to the mass wisdom of the group. Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have your docs recommended? Thanks! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 Hi , I would request the bone density now so that there is a baseline on record to compare things to down the road! Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 - That is a good point you make about there not being any down sides to having the test. I thought it was a reasonable idea, but my enod didn't seem to think there was any concern to have it done. I wonder why they are so reluctant to do it? I think I'm going to try and get my family Dr. to order one. Especially since I've already met my deductible on the insurance for all the tests for the initial diagnosis! Re: Bone density tests? Hi , There is evidence that thyrotoxicosis causes bone loss. There also seems to be recovery of that bone when one is treated. Here's a bit about a study of interest below...Also ask " are there any down sides to having a bone density scan? " Then you might have an answer about if you really need one now. http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/). ). The mean lumbar spine bone mineral density was 12.7% lower and the mean femoral neck bone mineral density was 9.9% lower in patients with active Graves thyrotoxicosis than in matched controls. Five patients had lumbar spine bone mineral density measurements less than 85% of age- and sex- matched controls (Figure 1). Although these studies are only short-term, a recent long-term study by Rosen and colleagues (12) has suggested a longer lasting and beneficial effect of antithyroid therapy on bone mineral. These investigators found that 5 years after antithyroid therapy, the lumbar spine bone mineral in their patients increased 11%. More invasive studies using iliac crest bone histomorphometry have shown a complete return to normal of cortical porosity and bone turnover after antithyroid therapy (10 Whether the osteoclastic bone resorption occurs directly because of thyroid hormones or whether it occurs because of cytokines released by activated osteoblasts remains unresolved (22, 23). Hypogonadism may also contribute to the skeletal changes occurring in postmenopausal women with thyrotoxicosis, suggesting a direct synergistic effect between excess thyroid hormones and estrogen deficiency (3, 17-21). > How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone density scans? I am recently diagnosed and have only had GD for about 6 months or less. I'm only mildly GD and my endo said I didn't need a bone density scan because it was early in the disease (of course, this is the same endo who wants me to rush right out and get RAI). So, I am appealing to the mass wisdom of the group. Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have your docs recommended? Thanks! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 - That is a good point you make about there not being any down sides to having the test. I thought it was a reasonable idea, but my enod didn't seem to think there was any concern to have it done. I wonder why they are so reluctant to do it? I think I'm going to try and get my family Dr. to order one. Especially since I've already met my deductible on the insurance for all the tests for the initial diagnosis! Re: Bone density tests? Hi , There is evidence that thyrotoxicosis causes bone loss. There also seems to be recovery of that bone when one is treated. Here's a bit about a study of interest below...Also ask " are there any down sides to having a bone density scan? " Then you might have an answer about if you really need one now. http://www.acponline.org/journals/annals/). ). The mean lumbar spine bone mineral density was 12.7% lower and the mean femoral neck bone mineral density was 9.9% lower in patients with active Graves thyrotoxicosis than in matched controls. Five patients had lumbar spine bone mineral density measurements less than 85% of age- and sex- matched controls (Figure 1). Although these studies are only short-term, a recent long-term study by Rosen and colleagues (12) has suggested a longer lasting and beneficial effect of antithyroid therapy on bone mineral. These investigators found that 5 years after antithyroid therapy, the lumbar spine bone mineral in their patients increased 11%. More invasive studies using iliac crest bone histomorphometry have shown a complete return to normal of cortical porosity and bone turnover after antithyroid therapy (10 Whether the osteoclastic bone resorption occurs directly because of thyroid hormones or whether it occurs because of cytokines released by activated osteoblasts remains unresolved (22, 23). Hypogonadism may also contribute to the skeletal changes occurring in postmenopausal women with thyrotoxicosis, suggesting a direct synergistic effect between excess thyroid hormones and estrogen deficiency (3, 17-21). > How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone density scans? I am recently diagnosed and have only had GD for about 6 months or less. I'm only mildly GD and my endo said I didn't need a bone density scan because it was early in the disease (of course, this is the same endo who wants me to rush right out and get RAI). So, I am appealing to the mass wisdom of the group. Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have your docs recommended? Thanks! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 How do they do a bone density test? What is it like? > >How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone > density scans? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 > How do they do a bone density test? What is it like? The one I had, I just laid on a bed and this arm-like device moved over me. They measure your thigh and hip bone. It's so non-invasive that the technician is in the room at the same time. But younger women have a different kind of test, I understand. Not sure what that is, though. Jani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 Having read some of the posts on this (yikes there are a lot to get through right now! I have one more question--my endo never, ever mentioned this other that to try to induce me towards rai by saying it's important to " fix " my hyper state before menopause because of the possibility of osteoporosis--but if he was really concerned, wouldn't he have suggested a test? 'Course, he never mentioned vitimins, goitrogens, iodine etc. either! terry > > Reply-To: graves_support > Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 13:21:20 -0500 > To: <graves_support > > Subject: Bone density tests? > > How about this for a new topic? What is everyone's experience with bone > density scans? I am recently diagnosed and have only had GD for about 6 months > or less. I'm only mildly GD and my endo said I didn't need a bone density scan > because it was early in the disease (of course, this is the same endo who > wants me to rush right out and get RAI). So, I am appealing to the mass wisdom > of the group. Should I perhaps persuade my regular doc to order a bone density > scan? Or is it really not necessary yet? If age matters, I am 32. What have > your docs recommended? Thanks! > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 My endo never mentioned osteoporosis either, but my OB/GYN told me that I am more at risk for osteoporosis due to Graves' (in an attempt to get me into hormone replacement therapy right away). At 09:03 PM 09/05/2001 -0800, you wrote: >other that to try to induce me towards rai by saying it's important to " fix " >my hyper state before menopause because of the possibility of >osteoporosis--but if he was really concerned, wouldn't he have suggested a >test? 'Course, he never mentioned vitimins, goitrogens, iodine etc. either! > >terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 As we get older, of course, we women are prone to osteoporosis -- but -- if you take thyroid replacement it is exacerbating that possibility. Taking calcium with Vitamin D (and even magnesium to help with absorption) is important if you take thyroid replacement. This is another reason to avoid thyroid ablation if possible, so that you won't be dependent on replacement hormone. In a message dated 9/6/01 12:08:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time, aldente@... writes: << Having read some of the posts on this (yikes there are a lot to get through right now! I have one more question--my endo never, ever mentioned this other that to try to induce me towards rai by saying it's important to " fix " my hyper state before menopause because of the possibility of osteoporosis--but if he was really concerned, wouldn't he have suggested a test? 'Course, he never mentioned vitimins, goitrogens, iodine etc. either! >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Hi , Here's help convincing your doctor to order it for you....Remember that if you get the test and your bone density is low, that is probably par for the course. The first study I brought up indicated that the bone will thicken again when the hyperthyroidism is gone. Get informed but try not to worry too much. http://www.newswise.com/articles/1998/12/osteo.rsn.html Radiological Society of North America 2-Dec-98 Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis Library: MED Keywords: OSTEOPOROSIS RADIOLOGY WOMEN BONE DENSITY PREVENTION Description: With more than 28 million Americans at high risk for osteoporosis, radiology researchers today warned that most women receive bone density tests too late to give them the best chance to prevent the disabling disease, according to research presented at the 84th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 12/2/98 http://www.newswise.com/articles/1998/12/osteo.rsn.html Media Contact: Kellogg or Bob Szafranski, bszafranski@... , Before 11/28/98 or After 12/4/98: For release after 9 a.m. CST, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998 BONE DENSITY TEST FOR OSTEOPOROSIS SHOULD BE GIVEN BETWEEN AGES 21 AND 35 CHICAGO -- With more than 28 million Americans at high risk for osteoporosis, radiology researchers today warned that most women receive bone density tests too late to give them the best chance to prevent the disabling disease. More than two-thirds of Americans who have or are at risk for osteoporosis are women, but many don't undergo densitometry tests to measure how brittle their bones are until they reach menopause. Ideally, women with significant risk factors would receive a baseline radiologic-based test between ages 21 and 35 when the body is still building bone and lifestyle changes can do the most good, according to information presented at the 84th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). " We are trying to eradicate osteoporosis within the next century, but the key is to find it early and prevent it, " said J. Sartoris, M.D., professor of radiology and director of bone densitometry, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine. " Women at risk are wasting 20 years of potential intervention by waiting until menopause to find the disease. " Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become thinner, or more brittle, and are more likely to break. More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and the disease results in 1.5 million fractures annually, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. It's likely that two-thirds of American women are osteopenic, meaning their bones are weaker than they should be, and are at risk for developing the disease, according to Dr. Sartoris. Risk factors include being female, being Caucasian or Asian, being thin or underweight, having a family history of osteoporosis, being anorexic or not having regular menstrual periods. " An abnormal bone density test should prompt people to change their lifestyle, " said Cann, Ph.D., adjunct professor of radiology, University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Cann is a panelist with Dr. Sartoris at a special focus session on osteoporosis during the RSNA meeting. " When your bones are brittle, they can't support normal daily function anymore. You may be able to walk around, perhaps even exercise, but you might pick up a heavy grocery bag and get a compression fracture in the spine. " The most commonly used tests for osteoporosis are: peripheral, typically an ultrasound or X-ray test that measures the bones of the forearm, heel, shinbone, toes or fingers; and central, which measures either the spine or hip, or total body calcium. The two most common central tests are quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). According to radiologists, both types of tests have their place. " Osteoporosis typically starts in the central skeleton and later affects peripheral sites, so in the early stages, a woman could have osteoporosis in her spine or hip that won't show up on a peripheral test, " said Dr. Sartoris. " Peripheral tests are most appropriate for older women. " " The central tests definitely are better, but the peripheral tests are inexpensive, five-minute exams that can reach a larger segment of the population, " said Dr. Cann. " A peripheral test can still show a decrease in bone mass even if it hasn't reached the osteoporosis stage, and, along with a clinical history, can help determine if the person should have a central test and seek treatment. " Typically, after having a bone densitometry test, a woman will receive one of four diagnoses: Normal. The skeletal system is as strong as that of a young, normal individual. Osteopenia. Skeletal bone density is 10 to 25 percent below peak mass, and the person is at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis. Skeletal bone density is 25 percent or more below peak mass. Established osteoporosis, which is osteoporosis with fragility fracture. Skeletal bone density is 25 percent or more below peak bone mass, and the person has had an inappropriate fracture, typically in the spine, hip or forearm. Treatment varies, depending on the diagnosis. " Five years ago, there was no treatment, but now there are a lot of options, " said Dr. Cann. Women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis will typically be prescribed one of the following, all of which curb bone loss: calcitonin, a synthetic version of a hormone made by the thyroid gland; Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), a bisphosphonate, which is similar to a naturally occurring chemical in the body that plays a role in suppressing bone breakdown. Other bisphosphonas are currently being considered for FDA approval. hormone replacement therapy; or Evista® (raloxifene), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which is a designer estrogen without some of the side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Evista® is the only SERM currently available, although several others are in the approval process. The latter two are appropriate only for menopausal or post-menopausal women. Women who are diagnosed with osteopenia should ensure they get enough daily calcium and vitamin D, exercise, stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine. They may also be placed on hormone replacement therapy or a SERM, or given a lower dose of Fosamax®, according to Dr. Sartoris. " We don't yet have an FDA-approved bone builder, but several are in the testing stages, and one should be available in the near future, " said Dr. Sartoris. The real answer is preventing osteoporosis. " We're starting to think of osteoporosis not as a disease of older women, but as a pediatric disease, because that's when the problem frequently starts, " said Dr. Sartoris. " Most children and adolescents don't get nearly enough calcium or physical activity. Many young girls diet and are underweight or develop eating disorders. They're already in trouble by age 30. " The RSNA is an association of 30,000 radiologists and physicists in medicine dedicated to education and research in the science of radiology. The Society's headquarters are located at 820 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-2251. # # # Copies of 1998 RSNA news releases are available online at http://www.pcipr.com/rsna beginning Monday, Nov. 30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 I'm going to reply to myself. I do that sometimes. Just tell yourself, " She's a little eccentric. " Anyway, it occurred to me that there is controversy about the theory that it is the replacement hormone that causes osteoporosis, and I ought to let you know that. If you do an Internet search for " synthroid and osteoporosis " you will find a number of articles discussing this. Nevertheless, my recommendation about the Calcium with Vitamin D is probably a good one. Personally, I take the position that long-term use of T4 only replacements do affect the bones. I am unwilling to take Estrogen replacements to counteract that, so the Calcium, weight- bearing activities, and a calcium-rich no-additives diet appears to be helping me. Gee, I just realized that I could disagree with myself and have my own personal debate. Naw, I better go pasteurize milk and make some cheese and stay out of trouble! The Milk Maid > As we get older, of course, we women are prone to osteoporosis -- but -- if > you take thyroid replacement it is exacerbating that possibility. Taking > calcium with Vitamin D (and even magnesium to help with absorption) is > important if you take thyroid replacement. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 - Thanks - this is an excellent article! I'm calling my Dr. today to see what I need to do. Especially since I'm now stacking up the risk factors - Caucasian, thin and underweight (thanks now to GD), grandmother with osteo, and GD. Yep, I'd say it's time for a baseline. I still don't understand why the endo was so reluctant to order one! It really aggravates me. Re: Bone density tests? Hi , Here's help convincing your doctor to order it for you....Remember that if you get the test and your bone density is low, that is probably par for the course. The first study I brought up indicated that the bone will thicken again when the hyperthyroidism is gone. Get informed but try not to worry too much. http://www.newswise.com/articles/1998/12/osteo.rsn.html Radiological Society of North America 2-Dec-98 Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis Library: MED Keywords: OSTEOPOROSIS RADIOLOGY WOMEN BONE DENSITY PREVENTION Description: With more than 28 million Americans at high risk for osteoporosis, radiology researchers today warned that most women receive bone density tests too late to give them the best chance to prevent the disabling disease, according to research presented at the 84th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 12/2/98 http://www.newswise.com/articles/1998/12/osteo.rsn.html Media Contact: Kellogg or Bob Szafranski, bszafranski@... , Before 11/28/98 or After 12/4/98: For release after 9 a.m. CST, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998 BONE DENSITY TEST FOR OSTEOPOROSIS SHOULD BE GIVEN BETWEEN AGES 21 AND 35 CHICAGO -- With more than 28 million Americans at high risk for osteoporosis, radiology researchers today warned that most women receive bone density tests too late to give them the best chance to prevent the disabling disease. More than two-thirds of Americans who have or are at risk for osteoporosis are women, but many don't undergo densitometry tests to measure how brittle their bones are until they reach menopause. Ideally, women with significant risk factors would receive a baseline radiologic-based test between ages 21 and 35 when the body is still building bone and lifestyle changes can do the most good, according to information presented at the 84th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). " We are trying to eradicate osteoporosis within the next century, but the key is to find it early and prevent it, " said J. Sartoris, M.D., professor of radiology and director of bone densitometry, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine. " Women at risk are wasting 20 years of potential intervention by waiting until menopause to find the disease. " Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become thinner, or more brittle, and are more likely to break. More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and the disease results in 1.5 million fractures annually, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. It's likely that two-thirds of American women are osteopenic, meaning their bones are weaker than they should be, and are at risk for developing the disease, according to Dr. Sartoris. Risk factors include being female, being Caucasian or Asian, being thin or underweight, having a family history of osteoporosis, being anorexic or not having regular menstrual periods. " An abnormal bone density test should prompt people to change their lifestyle, " said Cann, Ph.D., adjunct professor of radiology, University of California at San Francisco. Dr. Cann is a panelist with Dr. Sartoris at a special focus session on osteoporosis during the RSNA meeting. " When your bones are brittle, they can't support normal daily function anymore. You may be able to walk around, perhaps even exercise, but you might pick up a heavy grocery bag and get a compression fracture in the spine. " The most commonly used tests for osteoporosis are: peripheral, typically an ultrasound or X-ray test that measures the bones of the forearm, heel, shinbone, toes or fingers; and central, which measures either the spine or hip, or total body calcium. The two most common central tests are quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). According to radiologists, both types of tests have their place. " Osteoporosis typically starts in the central skeleton and later affects peripheral sites, so in the early stages, a woman could have osteoporosis in her spine or hip that won't show up on a peripheral test, " said Dr. Sartoris. " Peripheral tests are most appropriate for older women. " " The central tests definitely are better, but the peripheral tests are inexpensive, five-minute exams that can reach a larger segment of the population, " said Dr. Cann. " A peripheral test can still show a decrease in bone mass even if it hasn't reached the osteoporosis stage, and, along with a clinical history, can help determine if the person should have a central test and seek treatment. " Typically, after having a bone densitometry test, a woman will receive one of four diagnoses: Normal. The skeletal system is as strong as that of a young, normal individual. Osteopenia. Skeletal bone density is 10 to 25 percent below peak mass, and the person is at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis. Skeletal bone density is 25 percent or more below peak mass. Established osteoporosis, which is osteoporosis with fragility fracture. Skeletal bone density is 25 percent or more below peak bone mass, and the person has had an inappropriate fracture, typically in the spine, hip or forearm. Treatment varies, depending on the diagnosis. " Five years ago, there was no treatment, but now there are a lot of options, " said Dr. Cann. Women who are diagnosed with osteoporosis will typically be prescribed one of the following, all of which curb bone loss: calcitonin, a synthetic version of a hormone made by the thyroid gland; Fosamax® (alendronate sodium), a bisphosphonate, which is similar to a naturally occurring chemical in the body that plays a role in suppressing bone breakdown. Other bisphosphonas are currently being considered for FDA approval. hormone replacement therapy; or Evista® (raloxifene), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which is a designer estrogen without some of the side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Evista® is the only SERM currently available, although several others are in the approval process. The latter two are appropriate only for menopausal or post-menopausal women. Women who are diagnosed with osteopenia should ensure they get enough daily calcium and vitamin D, exercise, stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine. They may also be placed on hormone replacement therapy or a SERM, or given a lower dose of Fosamax®, according to Dr. Sartoris. " We don't yet have an FDA-approved bone builder, but several are in the testing stages, and one should be available in the near future, " said Dr. Sartoris. The real answer is preventing osteoporosis. " We're starting to think of osteoporosis not as a disease of older women, but as a pediatric disease, because that's when the problem frequently starts, " said Dr. Sartoris. " Most children and adolescents don't get nearly enough calcium or physical activity. Many young girls diet and are underweight or develop eating disorders. They're already in trouble by age 30. " The RSNA is an association of 30,000 radiologists and physicists in medicine dedicated to education and research in the science of radiology. The Society's headquarters are located at 820 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Illinois 60523-2251. # # # Copies of 1998 RSNA news releases are available online at http://www.pcipr.com/rsna beginning Monday, Nov. 30. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Redhen: I like all your handles. Are you saying that except for taking thyroid replacement hormones, there is not additional risk of osteoporosis from Graves'? The hormone replacement I mentioned was estrogen/progesterone, which my OB/GYN wanted me on asap, citing, among other things, the greater risk of osteoporosis due to Graves'. If the risk is actually in taking Synthroid, etc., I would like to know for myself, and also to inform her. Thanks. At 01:51 PM 09/06/2001 +0000, you wrote: >I'm going to reply to myself. I do that sometimes. Just tell >yourself, " She's a little eccentric. " > >Anyway, it occurred to me that there is controversy about the theory >that it is the replacement hormone that causes osteoporosis, and I >ought to let you know that. If you do an Internet search for > " synthroid and osteoporosis " you will find a number of articles >discussing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 We need someone more expert than I to explain the finer points, but as I understand it, there's little controversy over the point that the hyper phase somehow interferes with the production of bone cells. I am reading Elaine's book, and think I saw a good explanation there. There are also some theories that synthetic T4 adds to bone loss -- that's the controversial point. Now, to add to the complexity of the issue, many people who have been on thyroid replacement long term (like me) feel best when their T4 levels are kept a little higher than the " normal " range. All this adds up to risk of osteoporosis. I've tried the natural progesterone cream and liked it very much -- there is a great book on how progesterone in proper concentration creates estrogens in the body. Jeannette probably remembers the title and author. The cost is too high for me, however, and insurance won't cover it. Synthetic estrogen pills make me sick, so I take that as a sign that Mother Nature is against my taking it. I think that is a personal decision that each of us makes, so if you find that estrogen/progesterone replacement is good for you, don't follow my lead. > Are you saying that except for taking thyroid replacement hormones, there > is not additional risk of osteoporosis from Graves'? The hormone > replacement I mentioned was estrogen/progesterone, which my OB/GYN wanted > me on asap, citing, among other things, the greater risk of osteoporosis > due to Graves'. If the risk is actually in taking Synthroid, etc., I would > like to know for myself, and also to inform her. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 , About 27% of GD patients have hypercalcemia or excess serum calcium caused by excess bone resorption. Osteoclast cells are constantly breaking bone down while osteoblasts are forming new bone. In premenopausal women, the effects tend to balance out except for those 27%. The excess calcium in the blood (in these people with hypercalcemia) causes a drop in parathyroid hormone levels. This causes transient hypoparathyroidism which brings the calcium levels down and this further contributes to the demineralization of bone. Vitamin D supplements can often reverse this and restore calcium levels and restore the balance between bone formation and resorption. GD people are reported to be typically deficient in vitamin D 3. This also contributes to the problem. In postmenopausal women the excess resorption isn't as easy to reverse whereas children with GD rarely have this problem because of their normal increased bone formation. A bone density test is a good idea. Many clinics will do what's called a Pixie test for about $10, and this correlates well with the bone scan. Considering the improvement in my bone density test after switching to Armour, I suspect that the calcitonin, another thyroid hormone which is found in Armour, has helped matters. Calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D (which is also a hormone) all work together to regulate calcium levels and bone mineralization. Hope your neck is better. The dogs are watching the mail. Take care, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Thanks Redhen. I got really sick from the estrogen I got too, and it just didn't feel right to be on anything. Elaine told me about the progesterone cream, and that is all I use, and only on occasion. Turns out my instincts were correct - the OB/GYN told me definitively that I was completely finished with menopause, two months later, my estrogen levels spiked way up, a month after that, I was menstruating, so I'm glad I wasn't putting more estrogen into the mix with the meds. I'll check Elaine's book re bone density. At 06:11 PM 09/06/2001 +0000, you wrote: >We need someone more expert than I to explain the finer points, but >as I understand it, there's little controversy over the point that >the hyper phase somehow interferes with the production of bone >cells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Hi Terry, None of the drs. I have seen ever mentioned the bone density to me. When brought it up last year I asked my former primary to order one and he had no problem doing so. I was very surprised and happy when he told me it came back excellent, I can't remember exact results but he did tell me that 57% of women my age were worse than I am and he didn't think I would ever have to worry about osteoporosis. It is funny (ironically so)because I am not real good about taking my calcium (but I try!) and I have not done dairy since I was 15 years old because of allergies from it...though I do some from time to time, but very sparingly, one would think my scan would have been terrible with the lack of dietary and supplemental calcium in my diet. I can't remember if it was in this group or one of my other ones where a few months back we talked about how it is only humans who continue to drink milk for health past the 1st year of life, that all other mammals wean their young yet we drink/eat all the way through life. Wonder if there is some connection in this? Just a thought, TTYL Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 my doc was the one who brought up the subject of a bone density test, but only to say that he didn't want to give me one because he was afraid of what " we " might find. he said he intended to give one but preferred to " pump me up a bit first " . well we all know whaty happened then. everything is kind of on hold due to my unexpected expectantcy. but the PTU does seem to have helped with my chronic hip pain, so maybe i am getting pumped as well as plumped! donna __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Hi Redhen, Is it just the synthetic TRH's? Where does Armour fit in here? Thanks tons...btw, I would really enjoy watching you debate yourself <g> Jody _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 , While we all know you can lift your cats, I can't see you carrying a 90 lb. dog. In a recent issue of Advance for medical lab professionals, there's a blip about a new test that's coming out this year to measure bone density using urine. It measures certain protein changes. This should make bone density testing much simpler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 > Hi Redhen, > Is it just the synthetic TRH's? Where does Armour fit in here? I believe that the T3 in Armour helps with bones. Sooner or later, someone knowledgeable will be stepping in on this discussion, I hope. > Thanks tons...btw, I would really enjoy watching you debate yourself <g> I'm only here to entertain. No, you're not. Yes, I am! > Jody > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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