Treating Osteoporosis: What works for you?

The T-score test ranges from -1 to -2.5 for osteopenia diagnosis. I'd start off by finding out if my results were closer to normal or on the higher end before making any decision about taking the medication your doctor recommended, or any perscription medication at all. When we're 74, we are at "elevated risk" for lots of things. I'd start with making sure I was eating a proper diet for bone health and then investigate any available natural supplements that might improve your bone density.

So what will you do when Prolia ends?? Most doctors want to follow up with biphosphonates like fosamax.

@ladonnae: I have yet to hear from ANYONE that their doctor admits that their symptoms are related to Prolia It reminds me in a weird way of the roundup issues with Monsanto. Even after losing a lawsuit, after so much negative publicity it is sold at my local hardware store. And the tobacco executives?? Please. We are sadly alone when it comes to help from the medical community, and I don't know exactly why, but they will all support each other and big pharma before us.

I already had osteopenia in my late 30's. I have celiac disease which was not diagnosed until my early 20's. That is most likely the reason why I now have osteoporosis. Any celiac disease in your family or other auto-immune conditions?

I am 70. I have just reviewed my T-scores and Z-scores for the past 10 years. (I keep copies of all my health records but you can get yours) My T-score is getting worse. My Z-score is not bad and getting better. So I researched why. On the T-score you are rated against 30 year olds! Hello! By 50 or 60 you should have worse bones. But the Z-score is rated against people your own age. Look at your Z-scores. I am no longer afraid. My T-score for my spine is -2.5 but my Z-score is -0.5. I also looked at the 10 year fracture risk and noticed that the % is going down. My total hip T-score is -3.5 and my Z-score is -2.1. I cannot take the Fosamax type of pills. Now they have been pushing Prolia. I have said no. I am headed to Mayo the end of this month and I am definitely going to discuss this with someone. I am tired of being scared.

@suemer. Hope that you can get some answers that will make you more comfortable. I have a similar situation. I refused Reclast, which, because I now have kidney problems, was the right decision, and now, I, too, am being urged to take Prolia. So far, I've refused. Please, if you can, share what you learn. Never heard of Z scores - will try to learn more.

Please let us know what the specialists at the Mayo clinic advise. (I'm on Prolia,will be one year next week)

I have osteopenia but am currently only taking calcium supplements. I ran across this interesting article from Mayo Clinic on Osteoperois.

Make No Bones About It: Despite Medical Advances, Osteoporosis on the Rise
-- https://intheloop.mayoclinic.org/2019/04/25/make-no-bones-about-it-despite-medical-advances-osteoporosis-on-the-rise/

I had osteopenia in my 40's. Undiagnosed celiac disease most likely the cause. Also small build and low weight. Not a drinker. Over the years, the bone density chart continued its slow and two years ago precipitous decline. No amount of exercise, calcium or vit d was going to reverse the numbers. It was only when my endocrinologist said, "I'm getting very nervous about you" and did I tell you about the patient I have who refused meds, broke her hip, is still in a wheel chair two years later and may never get her independance back....The old scare tactic worked. I said okay Prolia me.

colleen young or anyone with same problem. For more than 10 years I am unable to stand up from a sitting position. I don't feel pain, but for some reason I have to put both hands down on the chair and push up. A real problem in a public restroom. I have had no luck with any doctor being able to help. They just say they don't know why either. I've gone through therapy in 4 different locations and I can easily do 100 reps of 85 pounds pushing with legs. Can do that in five minutes. But, cannot step up on a curb or get up from a sitting position. I've wondered if it could be something in low back keeping me from being able to move. Does anyone know anything about this problem. Thank you