$Unique_ID{BRK00777}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{Is Taking Calcium Alone Any Good for Osteoporosis?}
$Subject{osteoporosis calcium}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Taking Calcium Alone Any Good for Osteoporosis?


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QUESTION:  I have osteoporosis and have been taking 1000 mg of calcium a day
for four years.  My doctor tells me it isn't doing me any good since I am not
taking hormones, and that I am just wasting my money.  Can you tell me if it's
true and if there is any harm from taking calcium?

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ANSWER:  Let us start with the easy part of your question.  No you are not
harming yourself in any way, with the dosage of calcium you are now taking.
Only individuals with certain kidney disease, and who have a tendency to form
kidney stones require special consideration.  But merely taking a calcium
supplement will not cure your osteoporosis either, although it is a fine idea
to take enough calcium to prevent the development of the condition.  Most
women consume less than 500 mg of calcium each day, while scientists recommend
at least 1200 mg/ daily for youngsters 10-18 years of age, 1000 mg/daily for
premenopausal women, or women taking estrogen treatment, 1500 mg/ day for
postmenopausal women NOT on estrogens.  This provides the body with sufficient
calcium reserves to create bone, or help stop the loss that occurs due to
osteoporosis.  The hormone estrogen slows bone loss and improves the body's
absorption and retention of calcium.  During menopause, production of estrogen
diminishes and then stops.  As a result women lose bone rapidly in the early
menopausal years.  In order to slow this process, many doctors, including your
own, recommend estrogen replacement therapy at the time of menopause,
especially for women at high risk for osteoporosis.  I imagine that in
evaluating your personal situation, your physician has determined that your
benefits from estrogen therapy outweigh its risks, and therefore is
encouraging you to start the treatment.  You will still need your daily
calcium though, to obtain the best possible results.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
