Chronic steroid use can cause osteoporosis
Q. 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 feet 5 inches 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?
A. Chronic use of steroids can lead to osteoporosis. I assume this is the cause of your problem. I urge you to start taking 1,000 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily immediately.
I recommend you discontinue the steroid medications. Ask your dermatologist about nonsteroid treatments. While psoriasis and eczema are annoying, they are harmless, and home remedies such as medication chest rubs or banana peels can help.
As for osteoporosis medications, speak to your physician or an endocrinologist, who will be able to answer your questions and quell your concerns.
Q. A while ago, you had a column about a man who experienced remarkable new hair growth after using Tresemme shampoo and conditioner.
Both my husband and I have had significant thinning of our hair, so, despite my skepticism, we gave it a try. After about two months of daily use, my husband began to notice all kinds of new hair coming in. He even went to his hairdresser, who confirmed that he had what she called "pingers" all over his head. (She told us that "pingers" are hairs that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in length, equal to about two months of growth.)
Encouraged by this, I went to see my hairdresser a few days later, as I hadn't noticed anything because I have long hair. She, too, confirmed new growth. Both ladies were amazed and have decided to recommend the Tresemme products to their clients.
I feel I have to say that we did not use the exact products you mentioned, but both the shampoo and conditioner had vitamin E and aloe, and had stickers saying they were new formulations that contained keratin. The shampoo was the recommended one, but the conditioner was one for color-treated hair. Oh, if it makes a difference, we also take a daily multivitamin.
A. I have printed your letter about this remedy for hair growth because both you and your husband have experienced new growth and had this confirmed by your hairdressers. As these "specialists" deal with hair on a regular basis, they certainly know better than most what new hair growth looks like.
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