DEAR DR. GOTT:
Most of my life my doctors have prescribed steroids for my eczema and psoriasis. Now a bone density test shows that I have the bones of an elderly woman (I am only 50). I am 5’ 5” and 110 pounds and this greatly concerns me. I will never take osteoporosis medication because the side effects are terrifying. How can I reverse this? Will sunshine and calcium help?
DEAR READER:
Chronic use of steroids can lead to osteoporosis. I assume this is the cause of your problem. I urge you to start taking 1000-1500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily immediately.
For added benefit I recommend you discontinue the steroid medications. Ask your dermatologist about non-steroid, alternative treatments. While psoriasis and eczema are annoying, they are harmless and both have shown positive responses to some home remedies such as medication chest rubs or banana peels.
As for osteoporosis medications, speak to your physician or an endocrinologist who will be able to answer your questions and quell your concerns.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Osteoporosis” and “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).
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