There's no question that dealing with osteoporosis can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Most other things, you expect the doctor to say "let's do this, it's standard treatment, here's what to expect." Here, you get experts who disagree with one another.

McCormick does point out that there's a difference between bone density and bone strength. I asked him about his own treatment, given his long history with fractures from a relatively young age. He took Forteo many years ago, but nothing since. He manages with nutrition and exercise. He said his spine is a -3.3. He is around 68 years old and still competes in triathlons.