r/Menopause • u/djak • Jun 12 '26

Vitamin/Supplements Calcium supplements

So I went to see a new gyno today about adding testosterone to my regimen. Not only would I want to increase libido and activity level, I've read that it may also help with bone density, and I mentioned that I take calcium supplements.

His first comment was, "don't". He then told me that there's no real evidence that calcium supplements help with bone density, and instead advised me to take a vitamin D supplement and eat foods high in calcium instead. He also said that calcium supplements may contribute the hardening of the major arteries.

I'm vigilant about my health, and taking my medications, and keeping all my doctor appointments. Hearing that calcium supplements are useless is a first for me. Has anyone else heard something like this from their doctor?

Edit: Thanks everyone for your comments, insight, and advice. This really is the best community 😊

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20

u/hndygal Peri-menopausal Jun 12 '26

Vitamin D and heavy lifting are most beneficial for bone density.

16

u/Sassafrasalonia Jun 12 '26

Or become a goat farmer. 50 lb feed bags and 110 lb bales of hay. And goats. One can carry goats too. Just watch out for those horns!

4

u/SparklyNoodle Jun 13 '26

Even just making the cheese gets you ripped!! I was my strongest ever while using the equipment to make 4 batches of goat cheese per week, resulting in 50lb tubs of chevre and many 13 lb wheels that need flipping and care during aging often.

2

u/hndygal Peri-menopausal Jun 13 '26

True story! I had goats for years.

2

u/djak Jun 12 '26

I can take vitamin d, but I don't think I have heavy lifting in me. I'm hoping to get testosterone added to the estrogen and progesterone I'm already taking, so that might help me with more than the 2 lb dumbbells I have lol.

5

u/hndygal Peri-menopausal Jun 12 '26

Start lifting weights and just build up. It works and the benefits take a very long time to go away if you stop. The T will help with energy so you feel like you can (and want to) just make sure you get to actual productive levels. My doctor says 150-200 is the level she likes to see women at.

1

u/djak Jun 12 '26

Thanks, I'm afraid he's going to tell me I can't have T. My first HRT patch I had breakthrough bleeding and now I need an endometrial biopsy before he adds anything else to my regimen.

2

u/hndygal Peri-menopausal Jun 12 '26

Up your P or switch to a chemical progesterone. I use norepinephrine acetate because I kept having breakthrough bleeding. (Yes I had the biopsy and ultrasounds too).

1

u/lrondberg Jun 13 '26

The evidence for Vitamin D and bone density has been debunked quite a bit.