osteoporosis as a result of ovca surgery

[hopeshell]

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you have experienced osteoporosis or osteopenia as a result of loss of ovaries?  I would appreciate hearing what your doctor recommended as far as treatment too.  

Thanks!

Shelly

[Plonanon]

Surgical menopause apparently makes you lose more bone than regular menopause. I had perfect bone density when I did my first DEXA test one month after my surgery in early 2002. By that I mean that my T-scores were slightly positive. I did not have chemo, but my bone density has decreased significantly since then. I just saw my endocrinologist, and she agreed that I am not at the point yet where I need drugs. For the first time since my oophorectomy, my bone density since my last DEXA was nearly unchanged. In other words, it took around seven years for my bone loss to slow down.

It really stinks, though I was diagnosed at an early stage, so overall, I am not complaining.

[nyc lady]

It is a result of loss of estrogen, not only because of cancer and/or chemo.  Most women, whether they go through menopause naturally or not, will develop some sort of bone loss issues.  

[OCFB]

I had mild osteopenia prior to my OVCA dx in Mar. 2004.  I was told that it would worsen after the chemo (carbo/taxoterre), and it did.  Not terribly, but a decrease in bone mass just that same.  I started on Boniva and my cholesterol shot up about 120 points.  I just stopped that recently and my numbers dropped by 80 points.  Seems there are downsides for everything.  Now taking Viactiv with vitamins D & K, 3 chews a day.  Will have another bone density next April.  I also am fairly physically active and hope that will help.  Seems like if it isn't one thing, it's another, doesn't it?
Linda

[hopeshell]

Thanks Becky and Mary Ann,

Right now I am only on the calcium supplements but can't to the HRT either.   Good to know the Boniva is working.  


Thanks,

Shelly

[dmakkn]

I developed osteoporosis (only 52) and my gyno-onc had me see an endocrinologist.  I now take Boniva- once monthly plus a mult-vit, calcium, and vit-D twice a day.  My last scan showed improvement.
He wanted me to go on hormone replacement but my gyno-onc would not hear of it.

Take care,
Mary Ann

[Tybear]

I have developed osteopenia which I'm sure is now osteoperosis - I haven't had a bone density scan done recently, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had gotten worse.
It's frustrating because my doctors are so hung up on treating my cancer that no one seems to worried about the bone loss. I have talked to my family doctor about it and he recommended the typical calcium plus vitamin D. I actually recently went and bought some Caltrate Plus supplements but couldn't take them because of an antibiotic I was on.
I'd like to think there is something better we could be put on than just a regular vitamin...I know there  are some IV treatments you can do now and prescription supplements - not sure how much better they would be though.
Good luck!
Becky