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@aacatsaregreat I believe, and have been told, that the loss of estrogen at menopause is a major factor and the bone density loss is inevitable to some extent regardless of how well we eat, exercise and supplement with calcium and Vitamin D. Some people on this forum tell us they have maintained density with holistic approaches, but many of us need meds once our DEXA scores merit that help.
I hope someone can come on here to comment on your current treatment. My insurance covers DEXA scans every two years but some on here pay out of pocket or even get insurance to cover an annual scan. There are blood tests that most docs do my doc does calcium, D3, albumin, kidney tests, some do others), and some doctors do bone markers like CTX and P1NP (mine doesn't). CTX measures bone turnover and P1NP measures bone growth. Alendronate would affect bone turnover, is my understanding.
Resources: "Great Bones" a book by Keith McCormick that is very comprehensive. He also does consults in person or by phone.
A video I like: Dr. Ben Leder, YouTube, "Combinations and Sequencing Approaches to Osteoporosis."
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Thanks for your reply!
I've done some studying since I posted and loss of estrogen does appear to be a major factor, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, various medications, etc. I suppose, just as with many other conditions, it's sometimes hard to pinpoint an exact cause from person to person. I've read about some of the holistic approaches. I've also seen some studies concerning a possible connection between caffeine and osteoporosis, so I'm making a change there after being a coffee-holic for all my adult life. My current container of ground coffee has enough for about two potfuls left and coffee will then be a thing of the past! It seems that added sugars can also be a problem, according to some studies, but I've already been cutting way back on those because my husband's A1C is suddenly high and his doctor told him to change his eating habits.
I appreciate the treatment information. I guess I'll find out what my doctor's routine will be at my next visit. I've found that Medicare apparently covers a scan every two years (or more if medically necessary). I don't know what "medically necessary" might entail.
I'll check out Dr. Leder's YouTube video. Thanks! And the book also. I've been looking for something that's informative but hopefully easy to understand.