I am a 29 year old female, very active, into lots of running and sport diagnosed with ostepaenia and now taking Fosamax

"I am a 29 year old female, very active, into lots of running and sport.

In March 2008 I was diagnosed with Osteopenia and some osteoporosis in parts of my spine, from a DEXA bone density scan. I was referred to the scan because in January 08 I suffered a compressed fracture in my L2 vertebrae, after falling over when playing touch. My orthopaedic doctor referred me to an endocrinologist because I also have endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and a history of 3 other fractures from mild falls, he thought it would be good to see if there are any links going on. After doing numerous blood tests my levels in all minerals, vitamins etc are normal including calcium and Vit D.

My endocrinologist could not offer a reason for my low bone density and said the only option from a medical perspective is to take Fosamax and to keep up with weight bearing exercise. I have not had children yet but hope to one day. She said because it has not been proven yet that fosamax doesn't harm a foetus I will need to make sure I have been off Fosamax for at least 3 months before getting pregnant. She has recommended that I take Fosamax for 5 years, having a break when I decide to have children.

I have been working with a fantastic physio at the gym on an activity based programme with weights which I will continue indefinitely. My query to you is that I have done some of my own research on the side-effects of Fosamax and since reading your articles I have become quite concerned. I believe I will end up stopping the drug.

All the information I have read refers to subjects who are 50+ I have yet to find any information specifically refering to women my age with low bone density - why I have it? and what I can do to prevent further fractures other than take Fosamax?

I know that weight bearing exercise is important but I have been doing this type of exercise since I was a teenager and have still ended up with low bone density and fractures.

Any advice that you could offer me would be very much appreciated. I have voiced my concern to my doctors but as you would expect they down-play the side effects of Fosamax and deliver the information as if I have no choice but to take it. "

_______________________

Gary Moller comments:

(I am publishing this because many other people in similar situations will benefit from reading about your situation)
So, what do I think about Fosamax and other bisphosphenates and whether you should be on these at such a young age? Here is my answer in an oblique way:

"655 Fosamax Lawsuits Have Been Filed Against Merck & Co. According To June 30, 2008 Update
Most Of These Product Liability Cases Allege Fosamax Caused Drug-Induced Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw (ONJ)" Go here for more information

(ONJ: Basically, your jaw bone dies and disintegrates. There is no cure.)

This jaw-dropping news says it all. What astonishes me is how doctors can continue to prescribe this class of drugs to an ever-younger population. Why they do this and why the drugs companies continue to manufacture these is simple: MONEY! Billions of dollars worth and many times over what will ever have to be paid in future lawsuits. This is sociopathic behaviour. Please read my other articles about this topic by following the tabs at the bottom of this article.

Known side effects

worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, and severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain, osteonecrosis. Young or old: Not pleasant.

Raisor was told her jaw bone was going to end up in a bucket.

"They took some out, took some out, kept taking more out,"

Raisor said.
They tried to save what they could. They used a metal plate for reinforcement. Source

Complain to the Medical Association, the Health and Disability Commissioner and to your local Member of Parliament if you do not think you have been adequately informed of the known risk and side-effects of this class of drug. I would be outraged if the prescribing doctors have gone a step further by downplaying the known side effects like ONJ and spontaneous femur fracture.

With regards to your health conditions, I can assure you that the drugs you have been prescribed will do nothing to cure you of anything.

Fire your endocrinologist
An endocrinologist who can not explain your low bone density needs to stop practising and go back to medical school to learn some basic human physiology. Furthermore, it is irresponsible to prescribe a drug as hazardous as this one when there is no understanding of the cause of the underlying condition. Would you allow a mechanic to work on your car engine in this haphazard way?

Endometriosis
I have assisted several women suffering debilitating endometriosis. The lasting solution has always ended up being surgery to very carefully remove every trace of the menstrual tissue that has found its way into your abdomen. Get this done using the services of a specialist Endometriosis surgeon. DO NOT allow a general surgeon anywhere near you. Use a surgeon who specialises in endometriosis. In all the cases i know of, the specialist surgery has been 100% successful while the only non-specialist job that was done on the cheap was an abject failure.

Sort your endometriosis out and most of your other health issues should resolve of themselves - with a little nutritional help which I can assist with.

Vitamin D
You referred to your levels of Vitamin D being "Normal". So what was "Normal?" Please tell me your results and I will help you interpret them.

Nutrition
Please send me a diet recall of everything that you have eaten and drunk in the previous 24 hours and I will give some suggestions about how to commence a "Bone-Friendly" diet. Please also complete an Active Elements assessment and I will give some advice as to your mineral requirements, including iron, calcium and so on.

Please list all medications and supplements that you are currently taking.

Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.