When did you start shrinking?

[Anonymous]

I’m a 57 yr old woman who probably started shrinking in my 40s, I’ve lost half an inch in height, and I don’t have osteoporosis. It just happens. To men too, my husband has lost height as well.

The cartilage between the bones in your spine decreases in cushioning and that’s one reason everyone loses height.

[Anonymous]

By mid-50s I lost 1/2 an inch

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP and ask your dr for a DEXA scan - bone density test. It’s painless and similar to getting an X-ray; you recline on a table and get propped up with wedges.

I found out I had osteopenia at 42 and then dx with osteoporosis at menopause at 48. I take Fosamax once weekly.

As a result of finding out early, my siblings got DEXA scans; our parents had osteoporosis and now my older brothers (59, 60) and my sister (50) have osteopenia.

Clearly a familial link here. I walk with a weighted vest and do hard surface walking.

What are the weighted vest and hard surface walking supposed to accomplish?

PP quoted and rheumatologist advised hard surface walking because the higher impact spurs osteoblasts (rather than relying upon my treadmill that is a cushioned workout) and the weighted vest recommended by my physical therapist: /What are some reasons why some physical therapists use weighted vests to treat osteoporosis? Prevents bone loss ” Research has shown that bone loss can be prevented in those who participate in weighted exercise programs. Wearing a weighted vest can help strengthen bones, which is essential for osteoporosis patients/

[Anonymous]

I lost a quarter inch with each of my 2 pregnancies.

[Anonymous]

That's really not good, definitely get the bone density testing.

[Anonymous]

I have two friends who are 60 who were recently complaining about shrinking.

[Anonymous]

My DH is 65 and I'm 53. He's always been a smidge shorter than I am, maybe 1/4 of an inch. Recently I've noticed he's more like 1/2 an inch shorter than I am, it's very noticeable. He is super fit and strong and athletic. But apparently he's shrinking. Freaks me out a bit, I feel confronted by our mortality when I go to hug him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP and ask your dr for a DEXA scan - bone density test. It’s painless and similar to getting an X-ray; you recline on a table and get propped up with wedges.

I found out I had osteopenia at 42 and then dx with osteoporosis at menopause at 48. I take Fosamax once weekly.

As a result of finding out early, my siblings got DEXA scans; our parents had osteoporosis and now my older brothers (59, 60) and my sister (50) have osteopenia.

Clearly a familial link here. I walk with a weighted vest and do hard surface walking.

What are the weighted vest and hard surface walking supposed to accomplish?

PP quoted and rheumatologist advised hard surface walking because the higher impact spurs osteoblasts (rather than relying upon my treadmill that is a cushioned workout) and the weighted vest recommended by my physical therapist: /What are some reasons why some physical therapists use weighted vests to treat osteoporosis? Prevents bone loss ” Research has shown that bone loss can be prevented in those who participate in weighted exercise programs. Wearing a weighted vest can help strengthen bones, which is essential for osteoporosis patients/

Actually if you have osteoporosis, you need to check with your doctor before wearing it. Depending on the severity and any scoliosis a weighted vest can worsen it. You definitely want good posture before starting to wear one and all the weight should be distributed low, closer to your waist. It can put too much pressure on your spine. So, be aware of these factors before you decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP and ask your dr for a DEXA scan - bone density test. It’s painless and similar to getting an X-ray; you recline on a table and get propped up with wedges.

I found out I had osteopenia at 42 and then dx with osteoporosis at menopause at 48. I take Fosamax once weekly.

As a result of finding out early, my siblings got DEXA scans; our parents had osteoporosis and now my older brothers (59, 60) and my sister (50) have osteopenia.

Clearly a familial link here. I walk with a weighted vest and do hard surface walking.

What are the weighted vest and hard surface walking supposed to accomplish?

PP quoted and rheumatologist advised hard surface walking because the higher impact spurs osteoblasts (rather than relying upon my treadmill that is a cushioned workout) and the weighted vest recommended by my physical therapist: /What are some reasons why some physical therapists use weighted vests to treat osteoporosis? Prevents bone loss ” Research has shown that bone loss can be prevented in those who participate in weighted exercise programs. Wearing a weighted vest can help strengthen bones, which is essential for osteoporosis patients/

True.

Jumping on a hard surface just 10 times a day can help. I did a lot of research on this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get tested for osteoporosis. Medicine can help and can prevent fractures and hips breaking.

The medications available for osteoporosis are not great and many have the potential for awful side effects.

[Anonymous]

My husband (52) has shrunk a lot. He used to lift very, very heavy weights and I think his spine compressed or something. He was 5'10" but now my 5'11" son appears much taller than him.

I, on the other hand, gained an inch (53)--no effing joke. I had them measure me several times...and at a different doctor again.

[Anonymous]

I was always 5'9, I was last measured at 5'8 (54). Been tested for osteoporosis, not even close.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP and ask your dr for a DEXA scan - bone density test. It’s painless and similar to getting an X-ray; you recline on a table and get propped up with wedges.

I found out I had osteopenia at 42 and then dx with osteoporosis at menopause at 48. I take Fosamax once weekly.

As a result of finding out early, my siblings got DEXA scans; our parents had osteoporosis and now my older brothers (59, 60) and my sister (50) have osteopenia.

Clearly a familial link here. I walk with a weighted vest and do hard surface walking.

Have you talked with your doctor about taking estradiol as well? That's really good at preventing and addressing those conditions. Also lifting weights, particularly the large compound lifts that target your legs and lower back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you been tested for osteoporosis? Older women with osteoporosis definitely shrink. Think the hunched over old ladies. My mom has lost a few inches but she’s 80. It’s not normal in your 40s.

I have osteopenia and am doing everything I can not to get to that point.

How old are you? What age were you diagnoses? Care to share your strategies? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know - I think being measured at the doc is unreliable. My DD has been told she’s 5’4” a couple times, which is just impossible - she’s 5’5”, we’ve measured her at home many times and it never varies. Plus she’s stands exactly one inch shorter than our 5’6” fridge. And she’s two full inches taller than my 5’3” self.