Hi. I am on Letrozole and in mid 2021 was diagnosed with Osteopenia after a DEXA scan. I was put on Vitamin D/Calcium tablets once a day.
I now have Kidney stones and it seems that the tablets can cause them and once you have them the tablets must not be taken.
Anyone else in the same position and what are the alternative treatments for osteopenia? I will add that I do eat some dairy (not a great fan of cheese) and go to dance classes for my weight-bearing exercise.
I have 6 monthly zometa infusions as on anastrozole. A recent DEXA has shown my bone density has improved by 4%. I’ve gone from osteoporosis into osteopenia. Only a bit of a shift but I’m delighted. I do take a single daily calcium and vitamin D however.
Hi I have been on calcichew for over 10 yrs now ever since I broke my ankle. I too take letrozole since my mastectomy 2.5 yrs ago now. I have suffered with 2 kidney stones to date , one before my breast cancer diagnosis and one last year. No one told me that excess calcium is the cause of the stones until I had me second one last year when I was told by my doctor. He did not recommend anything different and just led me to believe that I had to suck it up so to speak. Sorry I can’t give you a positive solution for this extremely painful little stone. I wish you well.
Thanks for your thoughts. I am waiting for the GP to get back to alternatives to stexerol or calichew (tried that - never again!!) I am hopeing to be called for another DEXA scan (I was told every 2 years) In the meantime I am sitting waiting for the time bomb to go off - I have passed most of the stones and am left with one about 1cm in size. Am told if it does go on the move to get to A & E ASAP - I think that scuppers any holiday insurance!!
I to was told to go to A & E if I get another stone. Painful little beggars aren’t they. I hope your doctor can come up with a better solution. Like I said mine hasn’t it’s a case of grin and bare it. I am also due a dexa scan. I wish you well 
Hi. My bone density plummeted, and I made the decision (along with my oncologist and based on my particular risk factors) to stop taking the Anastrozole after 2.5 years. I also took up running (hated it, but better than being a bag of dust). Each person is different, and the risk factors are also different, but as I also had a history of kidney stones, this was the best decision for me.
Thanks all for your thoughts. I just hate this take pill A, then take pill b for the side effects of pill A and then you get the side effects of pill B. Hopefully pill A will be gone soon (5 years!!!) and maybe pill B will not be so necessary.