Ask An Expert: Osteoporosis

For years I have read that drinking coffee may lead to calcium loss in the bones and worsen osteoporosis. Is this true?

I saw a program on the news about calcium buildup in the heart. I take 1,000 mg of calcium every morning and have about 3 glasses of milk daily plus the milk on my large dish of cereal. Is this too much calcium? Is there any danger from taking in more calcium than you need? Can it cause calcium buildup in my heart?

I know that a rare side effect of taking Fosamax is necrosis of the jawbone. If this happens, does the damaged jaw improve after stopping the Fosamax or is the damage permanent?

I am a long distance runner. I have been having hip pain for the past two months. An MRI showed bone marrow edema at the femoral head. The radiologist also suggested it might be transient osteoporosis. What does this mean, and what treatments are available? I am particularly interested in healing time.

For many years I took Aciphex and then learned it may have been a factor in giving me osteoporosis. I do not want to take biphosphonates for mild osteoporosis. My naturopathic healer suggests calcium aspartate, along with a high dose of vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise, as well as eating dark, leafy greens. Can this regimen, as well as stopping the Aciphex, reverse osteoporosis?

I am a 56-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Most literature I've seen addresses this problem in women. Are the causes of this disease different in men than in women, e.g., celiac disease?

I have taken Fosamax for nearly eight years. I am in good health, with no history of falls or broken bones. Do I need to continue taking Fosamax?

I take the acid blocker Nexium and expect that I will need to take it indefinitely. Does this increase my risk of osteoporosis? Are there other drugs that increase the risk of osteoporosis?

I have tingling in the left side of my jaw. I am on Actonel once a week. Could this be causing this? I heard it can cause jaw problems?

I am a 57-year-old woman. Should I be concerned about taking Advair because of its effect on bone mineral density?