@swpocket My husband and I both got a dexa scan because I'm a tech nerd who loves data on fitness. My bone density was higher than normal for my age (47). His was lower than it should be (he's 52). I found that odd since we both run and he's crazy strong. Turns out he has a large Vit D deficiency. He's now taking vit D regularly. Never can tell until you see the data or until it finally catches up to you.
@swpocket Hello - 36 here and was diagnosed with osteopenia last year (at 35). I have been very active and mindful of my health all of my life.
ALTHOUGH, I did experience seasons of eating disorders in my teens. That didn't last very long, as I traded that for really learning a ton about nutrition and exercise. It seems that for me it is mostly caused by very low estrogen (and all sex hormones). Apparently being "too healthy" is a thing.
OBGYN and endocrinologist currently has me on HRT. They tell me absolutely do not stop exercising but maybe lessen the intensity so my cycle will come. The experts on the internet say to eat minimum 2500 calories per day, stop all exercise, and gain weight rapidly eating whatever you can. My doctor(s) think this is awful advice.
It's all very confusing/concerning and honestly has me mentally in knots because there's really no clear indication of what the best course of action is.
@swpocket I feel like I'm doomed, cause I'm 5'2 / 110-115 lbs and on top of that, I have disordered eating, I've been as low as 88 to 100 lbs for an extended period of time, have lost my period and still haven't gotten it back 3 years later. And my mother has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. So I know I'm pretty much f*cked in the bone density department, even though I've been lifting weights for 8 years and currently doing crossfit 5-6 times a week, which also includes power-based training and plyometrics.
@marioochi Every little thing you do will help. We’re in such an amazing age of information now; unlike previous generations when you’d first find out about your osteoporosis when your hip breaks.
Any effort you put in (calcium supplement, just 5 deadlifts a day – research correct form, will improve where you would have been otherwise.
@swpocket Thank you, you're right. I'm aware of that risk, I've accepted it and I'm just doing my best at this point, since you can't go back in time (also, don't know why I've been downvoted, this sub is weird sometimes).
@swpocket I’m short, thin, and have Celiac so I feel like I’m kind of doomed to get osteopenia / osteoporosis… I reallyyyy hate lifting weights but maybe I should start again :/
@3rdday I’ve got a colonoscopy scheduled mid-March (that’s the soonest) to hopefully rule out Celiac. If I also have it, that would definitely be the culprit!
@swpocket aw man i hope you don’t have it! if you do though, it may seem scary at first, but it’s very manageable once you get used to it! and lol leave it to this sub to downvote me just because i said i don’t like lifting weights…
@3rdday Ok, I bumped you back up to 0. Would be funny if you changed “reallyyy hate” to “tend to not prefer” and then got a normal amount of upvotes. Lol.
@swpocket Hey, did you get that colonoscopy done? I am wondering why you decided to go for that instead of getting a blood test for IgA and anti-tTG IgA.
@pablito_77 No, I pretty much eat everything, but try to stay between 1200–1500 calories. (Because if not, I gain.) As for her, she’s been on Adderall for quite a while, and a
close friend of ours thinks that’s what’s happened with her.
@swpocket I’m in my 40s, I’m the US, in menopause…my doctor won’t order me a dexa. I guess they’re not covered until you’re quite old here. My mom has pretty severe osteoporosis so I’m pushing for it. I do weight bearing exercise to try to offset the damage.
@hiskingdomconsul I had a dexa ordered in my 40s with the reason being menopause. But, funnily, back then, I don't think anyone really went over the results with me - I don't remember a word of it or of how you can loose up to 20% of bone density in first 5-7 years of menopause.
I changed to a new gyno 2 years ago and she ordered another dexa as the last one was 2011. I had that in december. The new scan showed I had significant bone loss. I lucked out and already had my specialist appointment due to a cancellation. That saved me a 9 month wait. I feel like I have a plan now.
I would find a provider on menopause.org and try again.
Check out the liftmor study for some of the best lifts to do (on top of nutrition). And, estrodial is supposed to be protective.
@swpocket Zoinks! Just checked MyFitnessPal, and apparently I only meet 35% of my calcium needs week by week. I’ve been focusing so hard on meeting protein macros, which is really hard for me, that calcium slipped right by.
Ugh, it is so hard to eat a healthy diet that meets all your macro/micro needs that is also fun to eat while being a petite woman. Ugh again.
and lol leave it to this sub to downvote me just because i said i don’t like lifting weights…