Page 5 of 6
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:11 pm
by kristoff
Danya (imported) wrote: Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:16 pm
I appreciate the information on Spironolactone, plix. I knew this would be a possible choice but I didn't know that it was that ineffective, when used alone, in reducing testosterone to castrate levels.
Knowing this, I will suggest to the endocrinologist that I stay on Androcur and continue to be monitored for side effects. This could result in a heated discussion.
When I was reducing my daily dose of Androcur, by half, to conserve the drug until more arrived, I noticed no difference in my feelings the first five days. I was pleased because, on one pill a day versus two, I would save a lot of money. After that initial period, though, I started to feel out of sorts. When I further cut the dose by 3/4, I felt even worse.
This certainly isn't conclusive proof of anything. I suspect, though, that I was experiencing a rise in testosterone. Certainly not to pre-Androcur levels by any means, but enough to leave me feeling unhappy.
Keep in mind the manufacturer of Androcur does not recommend prolonged use of high doses because of prospective hepatic damage. They generally recommend a relatively (not massive) high dose to attain effect, and then progressively reduced dose until effect is maintained at a reduced dose.
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:16 pm
by Danya (imported)
Kristoff,
The pamphlet that comes with Androcur does mention the possibility of liver damage at high doses. Those are in the range of 200-300 mg/day. I'm on a lower dose of 100 mg/day. My personal physician is monitoring my red blood cell count, liver function, etc.
several times a year to pick up signs of trouble.
-Danya
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:57 pm
by plix (imported)
You could also consider Depo-Provera. That is available in the US, so it is something she could prescribe to you. But she would have to understand how it works, and since it is a synthetic hormone, no one really knows what its long-term effects on the body are.
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:22 am
by BossTamsin (imported)
To go back to the original discussion briefly, there has been at least one study (
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abs ... 50/12/1189) on the long-term effects of using Fosamax to treat osteoporosis in women. While it's effects on men (and eunuchs) hasn't been specifically tested, in women with osteoporosis it has been proven that Fosamax remains effective over a 10-year span, with no new side effects reported as a result of long-term use. This is definitely good news, and with luck will hold true for eunuchs as well.
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:41 am
by Danya (imported)
Hey IEunuch,
I appreciate the info. I still need to check if Fosamax is on my insurer's list of formulary drugs. Now that I've only got a single pill of the other stuff remaining, for next Saturday, I'll check into alternatives.
It's amazing how these threads tend to wander
At first, that bothered me a bit. Now, I see how easy it is for that to happen and even how I've facilitated the 'wandering' at times.
Thanks again
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:46 pm
by myowncompletion (imported)
waaay off subject but i am vegan, this isnt bad for m:(y bones is it?
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:00 pm
by JesusA (imported)
As I'm sure you know, vegans have to be more careful of dietary nutrients than omnivores. To ward off osteoporosis, you need to get enough vitamin D and be certain to get a minimum of 1,000 mg. of body useable calcium per day.
Good sources are calcium fortified orange juice and soy milk. Tofu solidified with CALCIUM carbonate, rather than the more commonly used magnesium carbonate. Some vegetable, such as broccoli and okra.
Some vegetables should be taken in small quantity (if at all), such as spinach which contains oxalic acid that inhibits calcium uptake.
Type both "calcium" and "vegan" into a Google search and you'll find lots of information to help.
You also need to be certain to get enough bone-stressing exercise. Walking your dog would count, but only if you do it often.
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:48 pm
by kristoff
Vegans has bones? Wow! Work em brother!
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:59 pm
by Danya (imported)
My doctor tells me I should be getting 1500 mg of calcium per day. This maybe higher than what would be recommended for most since I've already got osteoporosis.
Exposure of your skin to sunlight is an excellent way to increase Vitamin D. Of course, in northern climates, sunlight's in low supply right now. More doctors are stating that the very real, positive benefits of vitamin D production in the skin far outweigh, in a risk/benefit ratio, the dangers of cancer from overexposure to the sun. Who knows?
My own vitamin D level is dangerously low so I'm taking a weekly prescription to remedy that. I do intend to get more direct exposure to sunlight, if it ever returns
, this year.
Weight training exercises are also excellent to help ward off and control osteoporosis. The pulling of tendons on the bones helps strengthen them. As with dog walking, consistency is important to get results.
Re: Osteoporosis diagnosis, where does this leave me?
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:05 pm
by gpb3aol (imported)
Well I'm going to have a problem. I've only got one kidney and my doctor told me to say away from calcium supplements. Kidney stones, back new if the shut down your only kidney.
But I'm taking Magnesium, and I'm going to start taking vitamin D. Along with boold test now and then. Oh the the bone scan.