And there is so much more to bone density than calcium. In fact, combining calcium with magnesium, vitamin D, boron and silica is much more effective than taking calcium alone. Dietwise, the best and simplest way to get these vital minerals is to eat a lot of ground pumpkin, sesame, sunflower and flax seeds: try a tablespoon or two on your cereal in the morning, or a handful of raw pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a snack. You would also be wise to supplement a bone-friendly multi-mineral formula containing the above nutrients. You' ll also need to consider your protein consumption. Too much protein may also lead to loss of bone density, so you' ll need to look carefully at how much meat and dairy products you' re eating, and keep them to a sensible minimum: avoid them two or three times a day when you ordinarily would have eaten them. Tofu and other soya products are a better option for bone strength, although you don' t want to overdose on them either; as with many foods, it' s possible to develop an allergy to soya if you eat too much of it.

Also, if you are progesterone deficient and hence oestrogen dominant; which can be checked with a saliva hormone test (see Resources, page 483), this definitely leads to loss of bone mass. It is highly likely that being on the Pill is disrupting your hormonal balance. You will need to consult your doctor about your hormonal health.