A recent operation that will cause the surgical menopause, and the fact that I have been on Epilum due to epilepsy for over 20yrs increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. Each does so on its own so it is a double whammy as they say! 
I do not wish to take HRT and wondered what suggestions other people may have to help reduce the risk.
Hi
I'll read the replies with interest....havent had the op that will cause surgical menopause but I'm been on Epanutin for over 30 years......thats the older one than Epilim.....I've just been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Take care
Love
Eileen
What surgical causes menopause? I'm 76 and no osteoporosis, maybe some oteopena, but with age that happens....it's part of life's aging process.
But I'm adamant about Magnesium (work up to bowel tolerance), 500mg quality calcium, not the cheapest form for sure, and Vit D3 and K2.
I split my mag citrate usually or a mag complex in 3 500mg does, but I worked up to that dose....
I take 2000mg or so of Vit C too daily. I've had enough constipation in my long life, and don't want that.....gotta clean out.
I know a lady with osteoporosis and she takes all these but takes Strontium and you can look that up....it a bone strengthener too.
Since you take a drug, talk to your pharmacist about the supps I mentioned...did you have labs on Vit D levels? That is critical, magnesium too and many take too much calcium and not ENOUGH of the other 2....hence calcium deposits and stones.
I've been doing alternative healing for some 25 yrs and I've learned a lot, and did all my own research for many years.
Removal of both ovaries and both Fallopian tubes - Bilateral Salpingo-Oopharectomy.
Was deficient in Vit D a couple of years ago, Dr had me on a high dose for 8wks and since then take 25mg D3 as she advised me too.
Will speak to pharmacist and thanks for the information.
This op was due to cysts that may have been cancerous but thankfully were found not to be.
Thanks.....
Just an FYI D3 comes in IU's, back in 2006 I found out how deficient I was and so my doc had me on 4000 IU's for a lot of months and my level got up to 80, from a very low 16 when first dx'd with the low D..
Then in 2010, I went thru a hip replacement and levels dropped 40 pts and I had read this could happen.....
So I don't know if that can happen with all surgeries but knew to look out for this with hip replacement...
So now I take 4000 IU's one day, and usually 8000 IU's the next day and kinda vary this dosage.....I'm having my annual in a couple weeks and will get bloodwork...
Latest research and I'm MOSTLY in the alternative world of healing, is that Vit K2 is needed along with D3 for best absorption.
I don't know what 25mg of D3 is and glad you are OK after your surgery. J
1000iu. Deficency dose put on was 60000iu weekly
Sorry, quotes both units on pack and as unfamiliar with IU use mg one
Hi
I'm as wise as you are......
In another site I was doing exactly the same....posting {quoting } exactly what was on the pack bucause iU means nothing to me
:Love
Eileen
I'm wondering if next time has both should quote both or just one I am familiar with
If I can find a way t o convert them that is fairly easy and a general rule, not for a specific thing, will let you know
IU's is how Vit D is designated in the U.S.
IU = International Units
If that is worldwide, I have no clue...
I'm in the UK and VitD is designated by mg - micrograms
Tend not to use IU here at all hence why need to find a converter.
Thanks Tazchurch
Love
Eileen
Hi there, I don't know if you're based I the UK or how old you are, so this may not help. I went through an early menopause at 40, not a good times for me. If you ever need any support or advice, check out the Daisy Network. Doesn't answer your question exactly but it's worth visiting the website.
I am in the UK and will check that out - thanks
Hi Tazchurch
{from the North East} Hope you are getting some good information from the site ....some that is helpful. We can only say it as our experiences.
I do know that anti convulsants do clash with so many other things. I've got to be so careful. Its a nuisance isnt it? I've been stable for 33 years now.
Anyway hope you get sorted out
Love
Eileen
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) has been used for many years by women to keep balance in the hormones.....and it does help reduce inflammation and more. Check it out, I'm back on it for inflammation as I've been off it for some years....do your research. It's an omega 6 and one should get a good balance of omega oils in their body. I also take a daily omega 3 as well.
Unfortunatly that is one of the things epileptics must not take, even the British Epilepsy Society warns against 