Osteopenia of the spine

I was osteopenic, but stable, prior to my diagnosis of breast cancer, and I had a TAH/BSO nine years earlier.  After chemo and six months of Femara I had lost quite a bit of density so was started on Prolia injections every six months, which returned my density to normal.  After my hyst/ooph I had DEXA scans every two years, which is the normal recommendation, and had a good pre-treatment baseline because I had one the same day as the mammo/US that led to diagnosis.  I was unable to take oral meds (Boniva, Actonel, Fosamax) for osteopenia due to a previous GI surgery for reflux.  The IV version (Reclast) was not offered in military hospitals at that time.  I would check with your MO and ask about adding bone strengthening drugs, and I would also recommend you ask about your dosages of calcium/Vit D, but I think you need more than you are taking.

Anyone having an ooph should have a baseline bone density right then.  It is important to know your status prior to the deprivation of estrogen.  I had a total hyst/ooph nine years prior to my breast cancer diagnosis, and had my first bone density at that time - I was osteopenic, but remained stable over that time between then and the breast cancer diagnosis. I also fit the physical profile for osteopenia, so I might have developed it anyway.  My hyst/ooph was done when I was 45 and firmly still in a menstrual cycle - I experienced immediate and intense surgical menopause.  I had this surgery due to numerous fibroid tumors in the uterus causing hemorrhaging, and they also found a 3cm pre-malignant tumor in my right ovary.  I am not sure I would rely on your breast surgeon for advice on supplements - I would ask your MO, primary care, or an endocrinologist.  There is no estrogen in anything I am treated with for osteopenia, or in any supplements I take.  I do take vitamin D and calcium, it is required by my MO as long as I am on Prolia.  Prolia is denosumab, the same drug given for women with bone mets by under the name Xgeva.  Prolia is a lower, less frequent, dosage though.

I would agree that you're probably not taking enough D3. I have been told by my GI that D3, calcium citrate and magnesium work in concert. I take that at night as the mag helps with sleep.

I have been mildly osteopenic for years and, like Kay, had dexa and routine mammogram on same day. Nothing has been routine since then.

I have been able so far to remain stable without drugs. I do a lot of weight bearing exercise as well as strength training, as well as pretty much eating whole, real food. I do take a fair amount of D3 (upped it in Oct per BS' recommendation).

If your levels are low consider doubling what you're taking and see if the results change. Make sure it's D3, not 2. Talk with a nutritionist if MDs are uninformed on the issue.

Mommyathorne - My case is very close to yours other than my TH/BSO occured at age 48, one year post BC. My DEXA baseline was 4 months post surgery and bone density was normal. One year follow up DEXA 12/2014; my bone density took a nose dive and now my right femoral neck is osteopenic and left femoral neck and spine are awfully close to osteopenic. My bone density dropped dramatically in a years period of time from depleted estrogen. My MO who is an endocrinologist, is treating my bone health/osteopenia with a Prolia injection every 6 months; I had my first treatment last month. I am not a candidate for estrogen therapy, like many of us here. Seeing you are estrogen deficient, your endo may want to treat you now instead of waiting for a the 2nd year DEXA test that may/will show even further bone loss. The goal is to halt bone loss, prevent osteoporosis and hopefully restore bone density to normal.

My bone density test was stable before my treatments and now after almost two years on Arimidex my bone density test indicated a 7% bone loss in my spine and 3% in my hips. The report used the words significant deterioration which has me concerned. My MO said I shouldn't worry. She said moving to Tamoxifen was an option but she recommended I stay on Arimidex and start taking Actonel for the duration of my Arimidex. I don't recall if she gave me a reason why she preferred that route over switching to Tamoxifen. I was taking 300 mg of calcium with magnesium and 1000 IU of vitamin D; however, I don't think I was taking enough calcium or vitamin D. She said I should have been taking 2000 IU of vitamin D and to use the osteoporosis website to determine how much calcium supplement I need. Looks like I wasn't taking enough calcium so I've started to drink milk.

I'm getting some dental work done and then I will wait 2 months before starting the Actonel. Probably overly cautious because it's not tooth extraction but just a couple of crowns I'm having done but the Actonel side effects are scaring me. I'm curious to know what others are doing if they are in a similar situation and how they are determining how much calcium and D supplement levels.

Just came in to say Im on Lurpon (ovarian suppression) + (Anastrozole) and I have been experiencing terrible lower back pain. Went for an X-Ray which turned out clear. My Nurse practitioner suggested and MRI which found "mild discogenic degenerative disease" meaning I have arthritis in my lower back, they also found a few protrusions.

I work from home due to covid and didnt have a proper desk for months, it was terrible and I don't know how I did it. I know have a standing desk and new chair with cushions.

Not sure what to do about this back pain and new symptom of my medicine...its getting be annoying now I want to stop it all together.

Jinx - I also have arthritis in my back - not sure if its from anything but aging. I started Prolia last year for osteoporosis. Stopped AIs years ago and no ovaries. Hope you get some relief from the pain. Agree with Jaybird, maybe there is another thread with more people regarding back pain or maybe start one. All the best.