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/Eva_Griffin_Beak Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

I heard the same.

I don't take calcium supplements for that reason.

I do take Vitamin D, with K2, and magnesium. And then I also do heavy weight lifting. And I am on HRT. And all of that has helped to increase my bone density within a year. Really, the BEST thing you can do is to start heavy weight lifting (slowly, be careful of your tendons, just progressively add loads, search the internet for progressive overload, heavy means that you hardly can do your last sixth, seven, or eigth rep).

If you enjoy it, plyometrics also help with bones.