Question: I am reading and learning about my recent osteoporosis diagnosis. I have
read contradictory things. I am only 44, *not* postmenopausal, have been a
big milk drinker and pretty good diet my whole life. I do have a thin build
and am caucasian, but those seem to be the only risk factors that apply to
me. Non smoker, non drinker, and don't drink large amounts of caffeine. My
71year old father has lost 4 inches in the last few years, so that is why my
gyn had me get a bone density test. She says that the osteoporosis in my
spine is strictly genetic. I have a normal level in hips. She put me on
Fosomax, which is causing me no problems. Should I see an endocrinologist
because of my age? Do I need to be worried about the cause of this or just
take the fosomax and go on? I haven't fractured any bones since I was 5. Is
there anyone else out there with a diagnosis like this at my age?
Answer:Do you have osteoporosis or osteopenia? In other words how severe is it?
I hope your doctor told you how important it is to exercise and take calcium
with Vitamin D and magnesium. It is also important to do weight bearing
exercises. Depending on the severity you might want to consider seeing an
endocrinologist. Are you under the care of an Internist? I would choose an
Internist first, because we have a lot of body that isn't really related to the
gynocologists specialty.
