This is a very controversial question. Like many things in medicine, there is no right or wrong answer for this question.
Some studies have shown that in women after menopause, there is an increased risk of heart disease when calcium over 1000 mg is used. This risk was not seen when calcium was consumed with Vitamin D, or when calcium was from dietary sources. Many women in the postmenopausal period have other risk factors too, which can make them prone to heart disease. However, there is scientific information to show that calcium intake will reduce the risk of heart disease, too.
Post menopausal women are prone to fractures, and calcium is a part of all bone protective therapies ( along with bisphosphonates, teriparatide and denosumab). Fractures, especially those of the hip, can lead to mortality exceeding 30 %.
So, what can you do:
1. Discuss if you need a calcium supplement for bone protection
2. Try to get calcium from natural sources
3. Use calcium and Vitamin D
4. Discuss with your doctor whether the treatment with calcium supplements will provide you with an overall benefit
Dr. Mathew John MD, DM