I was told a woman should be postmenopausal before starting these types of meds? thank you bonelady
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Q: What is the difference between vitamin D and D3? Can a perimenopausal women use actonel or Boniva?
Answers (1)
9/23/09 9:45am
Hi bonelady welcome and thanks for your question. D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form you get from the sun. Your skin makes D3 when it's exposed to the sun for 15 minutes without sunscreen. If you are trying to get D3 from the sun, you would have to expose your skin several times a week and live in a sunny climate. Supplemental D3 is used by most because they can't get enough natural D3. D2 (ergocalciferol) is the form used in fortified foods, like milk, juice, cereal etc, that comes from certain plants, and fungus.
The function of vitamin D, in the body, is to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus.
D3 is recommended now over D2 at 1,000 International Units a day.
Actonel and Boniva are FDA approved for post menopausal women, however many Dr.'s are prescribing these medications for those with bone loss prior to menopause.
Good luck...
9/28/09 7:29pm
Hi Bonelady,
I currently take 1000IU of D3 daily. My level was found to be extremely low, at 9. Between 50 and 80 mg/ml is considered to be an acceptable normal. I am a patient with KU Med Center Breast Cancer Clinic who routinely run D levels. To bring me up quickly I was taking 4000IU daily for six months until my levels came up to a more suitable range. The test can be ordered by your Primary or your GYN or whoever is taking charge of your care. D3 as explained to me is the preferred supplement. I am out in the sun daily but for some reason my body was not converting the D to a usable D3. I must say I felt better after 6 months, more energy with less aches and pains, even my asthma has been imporved. I was surprised that D has such a broad effect on our bodies functions. D3 is a standard supplement for Breast Cancer survivors or high risk patients. It has been found to play a significant role in their health.
Now with the diagnosis of Osteoporosis of the hip, and severe Osteopenia of the spine I have to wonder if my severe deficiency didn't play an important part in my bone loss. I have done weight bearing exercise since my 20's, I am 60. I wish I knew then to take Vit. D3.
A blood test can determine your level of D, and your doctor can recommend a suitable level of suplemtation depending on your age, size, fat ratio, complexion, and seasonal exposure to sun.
Good Luck and hope this helps some.
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By bonelady— Last Modified: 12/05/10, First Published: 09/22/09
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Hi Bonelady, I wanted to add something that may be of interest to you. The 1,000 international units a day recommendation comes from the National Osteoporosis Foundation for those over 50.
The best way to determine the amount you should take, in case your D levels are not within normal range, is to have a vitamin D test. If you should find out that your levels are low, the Dr. may increase the daily amount of D, but this would only be done if necessary and by your Dr. who would have to do the testing and prescribing of a larger dose of D. For those under 50, the amount is 800 IU's a day.
Good luck with this and try to have the vitamin D test done and repeated regularly since many of us are deficient in D, which has an enormous affect on our bones ability to grow.