<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Thanks to all who replied. I no longer feel that I am alone.

Let me start by saying the questions  I asked about osteoporosis in women
were not meant to be a slight to any of the men on this list; I needed to
have information that was pertinent to women. I do understand that the men
are also at risk of osteoporosis, but the considerations are different.

I am forty years old and was diagnosed this summer with osteoporosis; in
fact, it was what confirmed the diagnosis of celiac for my
gastroenterologist. Not having any gastro symptoms (I was anemic), I have no
idea how long I have been celiac. The bone density test was at my request,
thanks to information available on this list. I saw a specialist at a Bone
Metabolism Clinic and he put me on 1000 mg of calcium and 1000 mg of Vitamin
D. He did not recommend Fosomax for me and was not clear with me why not. He
did tell me that he would recommend HRT when I started  menopause. I am
meant to return to him in two years. I do weight bearing exercises including
some weight training.


I received 9 responses including one from Dr. Murray who posted to the list:

1- Dr. Murray wrote that premenopausal women do have the best improvement in
bone density which may take 2 -3 years. One should rule out osteomalcia or
hyperthyroidism. He states that 1200 mg  calcium, adequate vitamin D and
weight bearing exercise is what is needed. Fosomax has not been tested on
celiacs and "has not been used to any great extent in premenopausal women".

2- A suggestion of progesterone and references:
   http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/index.html
   http://www.all-natural.com/estrog-1.html
   http://www.health-science.com/analys.htm

3- A pregnant women with a bone denisty loss of 30% in hips and upper femur.
Her internist wanted to put her on Fosomax ( I am not sure if this was
during the pregnancy or prior to) and told her not to exercise. She decided
to exercise after some research on her own and supplements with calcium and
magnesium.

4- A 51 yr old woman who had her first scan at 46, with significant
thinning. After serious exercising every day, calcium supplements and
hormones, the second scan, at 49, showed a significant increase.

5- A 59 yr old woman who had a hysterectomy 30 years ago and could not take
estrogen; took Fosomax for 1 year with a gain to her bone mass, although
there were side effects (heartburn) in spite of following directions. She
stopped taking it recently but will return to it shortly. She exercises and
walks regularly.

6- A 43 yr old woman who was diagnosed 3 years ago. A small amount of
calcium is taken daily.

7- A 39 yr old woman with severe osteoporosis who has been GF for 8 yrs but
only had a scan this past March. She was prescribed Fosomax but stopped
after 3 months as she was unable to tolerate it. She was also prescribed
1000 mg. calcium and a multi vitamin. She is concerned about the amount of
vitamin D she is getting,  200% of recommended daily  requirements. Does
anyone know about the risks of too much vit. D?

8- A man who is concerned about osteoporosis asked about names of GF calcium.

I take Novocalcium which the pharmacist verified was GF made by Novo.

9- A 49 yr old woman diagnosed with CD in May 96 with a low bone density.
She was give Levian 28 (birth controls pills for hormones) and two extra
strenght Tums per day, and told to exercise.  The doctor did not prescribe
Fosomax as it is hard on the stomach.  She also takes Theragran M and drinks
a can of Ensure daily.  She will be retested in February.

A web sights that may be of interest is:
http://www.pslgroup.com/OSTEOPOROSIS.HTM#News

 I will post any further findings and I would appreciate any information
anyone else comes up with.

Thank you
Elaine (Montreal)