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Celiac Disease and Premature Osteoporosis

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I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease in Jan. 2007 and have been eating strictly gluten free since then. I just had a DEXA bone density scan since osteoporosis is a complication of undiagnosed celiac and my T scores show osteoporosis. My radiology place doesn't do Z scores. It is my understanding that meds for osteoporosis are not FDA approved for premenopause, yet doctors are recommending them.

My Vit D levels are in the low end of normal, so a prescription isn't required, but I will be taking extra over the counter Vit D3. FYI - Citracal and Pliva prescription Vit D 50,000 do not contain gluten. I will also be trying to do more weight bearing exercise.

Are any of the meds for osteoporosis gluten free and does anyone take them premenopausal?

8 replies

Kinjul,
I have a question or two about celiac disease.
What are the symptoms? Is it hard to diagnose? My rheumy did some blood work about a year ago and it turned out negative. But I am not convinced.
Karen

You must have eaten a 'normal' amount of gluten for at least 6 weeks prior to a blood test, or it will be negative. To be acurate a sample of the stomach lining must be taken.

My symptoms included constant diarrhea and flu' like symptoms.

Symptoms of celiac vary greatly and can include any or even none of over 300 symptoms. For me, it was insomnia, migraines, severe knee pain, and fatigue and it took 5 years before a doctor finally diagnosed. 97% of people with celiac are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions like IBS and fibromyalgia. You do need to be eating gluten for an extended period of time in order for blood test results to be accurate.

Some people have negative blood tests, but a biosopy of small intestine shows celiac. If all tests are negative, you can still be gluten sensitive and feel better eating gluten free, but don't switch to gluten free until all testing is complete.

It still amazes that when I saw a rheumatologist for my knee pain, he tested for me for everything, except celiac! It is a common autoimmune disease.

Celiac is a very common disease and one of the major causes of early on set Osteoporosis.. I know I have both.
I have done all the drugs.... Fosmax, Forteo etc... NOTHING has build bone for me. I am gluten free and have been for 20 years... I am healthy with bad bones... guess it could be worse. I have broken my hip, back, foot, ankle, ribs etc.... But I am going to keep on trucking and NO MORE drugs...
Here is the link to a very good site on Celiac. It is a medical document but has a lot of info.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980301ap/pruessn.html

I have dealing with celiac disease for a long time. If any one has questions I would be glad to help if I can.
hugs to all.
Vicki

Thank you all very much.
Karen

Checkout this video from Dr. Vikki Petersen answering my question about osteorporosis treatment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcIxNqiKm90

For more info about Dr. Vikki, read this http://www.healthnowmedical.com/about/vikki.html

Another informative discussion.

I have severe GI disease (many of them) and osteoporosis as a result. I've been on osteoporosis meds since my diagnosis of osteo, even though I'm premenopausal. I'm also on 100,000 units of vitamin D daily. Unfortunately, I just found out that my levels went down again so I meet with my endocrinologist in two days.

Mimi

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OsteoporosisNOF: Download NOF's new brochure Hormones and Healthy Bones @ http://bit.ly/3Yg7tq

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF's CFC information: CFC #:11043; Osteoporosis Foundation, National

OsteoporosisNOF: NOF announces the launch of their Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Visit www.nof.org.

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OsteoporosisNOF: Volunteer to start an NOF support group to help yourself and others with osteoporosis in your community. Call (800) 231-4222 to learn more.

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