Between Us: Bone Density in Transitioning Women

http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2013/03/15/between-us-bone-density-in-transitioning-women/
3/15/13
Jillian Page

"I urge all MtF people who are switching off testosterone (taking T-blockers and having SRS) and replacing it with estrogen to ask your doctor or endocrinologist to send you for a bone density scan, especially if you are past the age of 30. Apparently, according to an article on Livestrong.com, "Your bones reach their peak bone mass when you are about 30 years old, after which you begin to lose bone faster than you can build it."

The article also points out that "Statistics show that 1 in 3 women over age 50 will suffer a broken bone as a result of osteoporosis in her life time, compared to 1 in 8 men."

Why? Says the article: "Perhaps the most important reason men don't lose bone density as much as women are due to hormonal changes. In the five to seven years following menopause, women experience hormonal changes such as reduced estrogen levels that cause them to lose bone mass at a rapid rate. Because men do not experience this hormone change, they also do not lose as much bone density as women."

It's helpful to take calcium supplements, calcium citrate is preferred as opposed to calcium carbonate which will cause kidney stones.

  I take calcium carbonate (Tums) due to acid reflux with no other ill effects.  I have gained both bone and muscle mass on HRT, where calcium is a major factor here.  My Dr. said it it unusual for the latter, but I had a hormonal imbalance before and the HRT corrected that.  HRT was and is still being used on cis women to prevent further bone loss. 
  I observed the effects of HRT on other ladies here and elsewhere that the restrictive diets some of you have is the culprit here.  Also lack of Vitamin D doesn't help as well.  The best source for vitamin D is the sun.  Just don't expose yourself too much to the sun at one time. 

  Joelene