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Does anyone have any suggestions about protecting bones while taking letrozole? Any supplements that you take?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Albion, NY
2 days ago
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Answer Summary

Members responding to a question about protecting bones while taking letrozole shared several helpful strategies, with calcium and vitamin D3... Read more

Members responding to a question about protecting bones while taking letrozole shared several helpful strategies, with calcium and vitamin D3 being the most commonly recommended supplements, often taken twice daily. Several members also mentioned vitamin K to help with calcium absorption, magnesium, and the OsteoForce supplement, while one member urged caution about herbal or menopause support products that may interfere with how letrozole works. A recurring theme was the importance of weight-bearing exercise alongside supplements, and members encouraged getting DEXA scans to track bone density over time.

A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, weight bearing exercises should be part of everyone's activity plans (keeping in mind, what is safely done)- I am usually lugging stuff around- I have approx 100 pounds of bird seed in the trunk now to lift, move, mix and dump into my winter feed trashcans today! I'm counting that- lol!

15 hours ago (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Weight bearing exercises are most important.

16 hours ago
A MyBCTeam Member

Thanks everyone for the great information! I will see my oncologist today and ask her too.

2 days ago
A MyBCTeam Member

I asked my PCP about any supplements when the first DEXA showed slight osteopenia, I was already on a D3 &Vit K combo- and she suggested OsteoForce. I take 4 capsules a day 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. I have had the baseline DEXA and two later ones scheduled- and there has been no additional loss and a bit of improvement- not huge, but I'll take it! (ps, I just turned 70 last month so only having slight osteopenia isn't too bad! Hugs and Good Luck!

However, I started this supplement after my treatment was completed, and my cancer was HER2+ (no hormone involvement), so Letrozole (or other AI) was not part of my protocols.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/osteo...

OsteoForce™
OsteoForce™
https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/osteoforce/
2 days ago
MyBCTeam

Protecting your bones while on letrozole is such an important concern, and there are several well-recognized strategies that can help.

Here are some key ways to support bone health:

- Weight-bearing exercise — walking, light strength training, and stretching can all help maintain bone density
- Calcium-rich foods — opt for Show Full Answer

Protecting your bones while on letrozole is such an important concern, and there are several well-recognized strategies that can help.

Here are some key ways to support bone health:

- Weight-bearing exercise — walking, light strength training, and stretching can all help maintain bone density
- Calcium-rich foods — opt for lower-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese rather than high-fat versions
- Vitamin D — often recommended alongside calcium to support bone strength
- Stay hydrated — supports your body's overall health during treatment Regarding supplements specifically, it's worth being cautious. Some research has suggested that certain supplements taken during breast cancer treatment may affect outcomes. A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that supplements taken during treatment were linked to worse outcomes for some patients.

Rather than self-prescribing supplements, it's best to focus on getting nutrients from whole foods where possible, and always check with your oncology team before adding anything new. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to monitor changes over time, and in some higher-risk cases, bone-strengthening medications like zoledronic acid or denosumab may be prescribed.

Don't hesitate to bring this up at your next appointment — it's a very common and valid concern for people on letrozole!

2 days ago

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