Many women have a sense of false security regarding estrogen replacement, thinking it will actually increase bone density. But the vast majority of studies show that while estrogen replacement slows down bone loss, it does not increase bone density. It’s a well-known and feared fact that synthetic estrogen use has been shown to increase a woman’s risk of breast and uterine cancer. For women who actually need hormone replacement, I recommend the use of natural hormones that are the same as you find in your body. This may include a balance of natural estrogen with progesterone, and sometimes DHEA and/or testosterone. Saliva or blood tests by your integrative medical doctor can help establish what hormones (if any) are deficient and need replacement. Compounding pharmacies specialize in providing natural hormone prescriptions. To find a compounding pharmacy near you, contact the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists at 1-800-927-4227 or visit iacprx.org, or Professional Compounding Consultants, 1-800-331-2498.

Myth #6: Calcium supplementation is the key.

Yes, calcium is a critical mineral to supplement to both prevent and treat osteoporosis. I recommend 1,000 to 1,200 mg daily of an easily absorbable form such as calcium citrate. But it’s even more important to get a daily range of  vitamins, minerals and other  nutrients involved in bone formation, including:

• magnesium - 500 mg
• vitamin D - 400 to 800 IU (higher dosages for those living in areas where sunlight is not plentiful)
• B vitamins - as part of a multivitamin or B complex
• silica (from horsetail) - five to 20 mg
• zinc - 15 to 30 mg
• manganese - 15 to 30 mg
• vitamin C - 500 to 3,000 mg
• essential fatty acid blend - including omega-3 (2,000 to 3,000 mg) and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) - 100 to 200 mg
• vitamin K - from food sources such as green leafy vegetables, Swiss chard, kale, green beans, tomatoes, red cabbage, parsley, avocados, blueberries, lima beans and soy beans.

Myth #7: All calcium supplements are equal.

Research reveals a definite difference in the rate of absorption among various forms of calcium. The highest rated forms are calcium citrate or chelates. Calcium carbonate is not as easily absorbed, but it’s okay to use in a blend containing other easily absorbed forms. I do not recommend using bone meal forms of calcium because they are poorly absorbed and some are contaminated with lead.

Myth #8: Supplements cannot increase bone density.

Ipriflavone has become popular for its role in the treatment of osteoporosis. This is a type of synthesized isoflavone similar to isoflavones found in soy. It’s effective in maintaining and, in some cases, increasing bone density when combined with calcium or vitamin D.

Ipriflavone works by stimulating bone cells to form fresh bone and decreasing the activity of osteoclasts–cells that break down bone. It also acts to enhance the bone-building action of the hormone calcitonin. Ipriflavone does not have an estrogenic effect, so researchers do not feel it has the cancer risk that estrogen replacement therapy does.

Recommended dosage is 600 mg daily with food. I recommend it for women who have osteoporosis or those with a strong family history of the disease.

Myth #9: The only way to monitor bone health is with X-rays.

While it’s true that a special type of X-ray known as the DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the best test to get a baseline of your bone density, it’s costly and there are radiation concerns. An excellent test that’s also available in Canada through your doctor is a special urine test called a bone reabsorption assessment that measures metabolites of bone breakdown. Available for about $50, it monitors how your therapy is working and, unlike the DEXA scan, can be repeated as often as necessary.

Calcium-rich foods:

Mark Stengler is a naturopathic doctor and co-author of a new book entitled Your Menotype, Your Menopause. Visit his website, thenaturalphysician.com.

Source: alive #241, November 2002

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Bone Health: Beyond Calcium
You probably don't think much about the health of your bones until you see an older woman making her way slowly down the street, stooped nearly in half, gingerly tapping her cane ahead of each step.