Statin drugs as an option? - Osteoporosis Message Board

jacal5 · 10-20-2007, 02:35 PM

My mom is 78 yrs. old and just received her bone density t-scores; -.02 spine, -.08 hip, these numbers aren't even considered osteopenia.
She takes no supplements or vitamins, and has been on Coumadin for four years, which depletes Vitamin K. She shops daily and joined a gym three years ago, but doesn't go regularly, so she really wouldn't be considered that active.

I am wondering if her statin use for 15 years to control her cholesterol helped her bone density, researchers are now finding these drugs help grow bone.
She has been on Baycol and Lipitor.

The statins might be an option for some of you, I know they have side effects, but if I had a choice, I would rather take Lipitor than Fosamax.

mbeth50 · 10-20-2007, 06:11 PM

Hi jacal,
I've been on Lipitor for about 3-4 years and my bone density tests went from age 54 (no menapause) normal to age 56 osteopenia ( beginning menapause)....AND I exercise daily and take calcium. I think your mom is very lucky and since this is partially herititary perhaps you will be too!!!
Maybe I would of been worse without the Lipitor Who knows?

phylwill1152 · 10-20-2007, 06:26 PM

Hi Jacal...i've been taking lipitor for over 10 years and was dx with osteoporosis last year and have tried for many years to the do the right things to keep myself strong and healthy. I think genetics have been very kind to your mom and probably to you too. Don't look for reasons, just thank your ancestors for giving you good stong bones. take care...phyllis

jacal5 · 10-20-2007, 10:41 PM

Just my spine (-0.2) is taking after my Mom with help from E-zorb, my left hip is -2.4 and right hip is -1.9. I have been more inactive than her up to a few years ago, having a desk job for 24 years that I retired from in 2000. I am only 5'3", she is about 5'6", so my hip bones are probably smaller than hers, she has longer and thinner legs than I do, but I weigh less than her (even though I am 11 pounds overweight for my height), she is carrying extra weight from the waist up.

I'll be 55 yrs. old next week (I wish I had hips like my 78 yr. old Mom), does that make me a real senior citizen now that I qualify for an over 55 retirement community?

Seriously though, one web-site actually explained how the statin drugs increased bone density with diagrams. If it's true, they might be worth a try for people not getting good results from other protocols.

phylwill1152 · 10-21-2007, 05:43 AM

Hi Jacal...did the article say if the statins were tesed on on men, women or both? there are manny drugs, especially ones for heart heath that are mostly tested on men. With our different physiology not all drugs act the same in men and women.

Happy birthday a few days in advance..i'll be 55 next month. We'll be members of the double nickel club

. take care...phyllis