QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 10:46 PM)

Hi Ladies,
I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.
Hi, Monicafaye, welcome to Power Surge; I am 54 and two years post meno and this site has saved my sanity some days. I think you were wise to decline the Actonel. I have read that there is not enough conclusive evidence that these kinds of medications help women under age 65, and that if you take them too early, they may not help you in your later years, when you really need them. My doc wanted me on it, too, as I already have osteopenia, but I refused and have decided to make sure I exercise and take calcium and try to eat calcium-rich foods.
I would not quit exercising. Our bodies are meant to move, so I really believe that your sciatica could get worse if you quit moving altogether. I would take the advice of some other posters here and go to your local Y and talk to a knowlegeable trainer, who can work out a plan for you of mild to moderate exercise. We probably shouldn't be going as hard at exercise as we did in our 20's and 30's, but we're not dead, either, so we need to do something to stay strong. And if you decide to do weight training (which is a very good idea...I've been doing it for 7 years), remember to start with very light weights and go slowly. I don't know how long you've been trying the exercise, but hang with it and get advice from a reliable trainer so you don't burnout.
I am having other post-meno issues and still have the hot flashes, but I really think the exercise is keeping me from feeling worse. Especially on my "high anxiety" days, even a small amount of exercise clears my head.
Good luck to you; I'm pulling for you, because I know how you feel and many days it is frustrating, worrisome, and wearisome. But it helps to be able to "vent" here, so vent away!