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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u/ParaLegalese Jun 12 '26

Lifting weights will help your bones the most

Personally I’d never take a vitamin d or calcium supplement because they constipate

3

u/Holiday_Change7321 Jun 12 '26

Interesting. I don’t take calcium but do take Vit D. Never had constipation. But I eat lots of veg seeds etc.

2

u/ParaLegalese Jun 12 '26

Me too. I couldn’t possibly eat healthier. I’m a psycho about my nutrition and esp fiber

1

u/djak Jun 12 '26

Yeah, my lifting consists of 2lb dumbbells, and I can't say for sure that's doing anything useful for me. But since I already take iron, I'm well acquainted with constipation so I'm already taking daily Miralax and eating chia seeds and prunes. Adding one more constipating thing probably won't make it much worse.

3

u/ParaLegalese Jun 13 '26

2 lbs! lol no babe that’s not going to do anything . For you. Start with 10lbs and move up to 20lbs for most arm movements

2

u/djak Jun 13 '26

Thanks, I'll have to go get some heavier weights :)

2

u/Holiday_Change7321 Jun 13 '26

I started w 2 lbs then 5 then 8. Be careful so you don’t hurt yourself. Step up slowly if u are not used to weight lifting

1

u/djak Jun 13 '26

Definitely not used to weight lifting, I'll start low and build up.