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Women's Health

Cervical Cancer Treatment & Bone Loss

05/17/2010

Question:

Hi, I am 48 years old and was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer. I will start Chemo and radiation treatments on Mon. The doctors said this would put me into menopause. I have recently heard that if you are low in calcium and go into menopause, it can cause brittle bones. I do not take calcium supplements because they have always caused gas. Is there a calcium supplement that would not do that? And would it be helpful to start taking now? I am vitamin D deficient and am taking 50000 IU`s 3 times a week. I am just concerned about getting brittle bones and want to prevent it if I can. Thank you so much.

Answer:

Calcium carbonate in the calcium salt found in most supplements and it can cause gas. Calcium citrate is also avaiable (Caltrate is one brand) and does not cause this problem.

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Response by:

Debra K Gardner, PhamD Debra K Gardner, PhamD
Former Assistant Clinical Professor of Pharmacy College Business Office
Internal Resource Pool-Allied at OSU Medical Center
Wexner Medical Center
The Ohio State University