Younger than usual with severe osteoporosis

@activebcgal the first endocrinologist I consulted with told me to lift no more than 10 pounds. This would have been a massive change for me as I’ve been lifting weights since I was 18 (I’m now 52). I’m still navigating treatment options as I chose to seek a second opinion at Mayo, an opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful.

During my first appointment with my Mayo endocrinologist, he took a thorough history including understanding my activity level. He sent me for an appointment with a physical therapist who is well versed in OP, and she did a detailed review of my workout practices. She was able to help me understand what I can continue doing, what I need to modify, and what I need to stop (goodbye my beloved Pilates!) Both the doctor and the physical therapist told me their recommendations were based on what I had already been doing for many years - the recommendations would be quite different if I were starting something new. I’m guessing my T score also is a factor - my lowest score is lumbar spine at -2.9.

As far as how much I can lift, I will be able to continue weight lifting at my current level with some adjustments and limitations. I will not progress to heavier weights.

All this is to agree with @researchmaven - what is going to be right for you is going to be a very individual answer. If you are able to meet with a physical therapist who specializes in OP, I highly recommend it. I left my appointment still understanding that my life has changed a bit and still feeling knocked sidewise with this diagnosis, but feeling less frightened about what I will and will not be able to do.

I’m still navigating this myself and don’t yet have a treatment plan (that’s expected next week). I can tell you that you’ve found a great place to find resources - the sharing by the folks on this forum has been an absolute gift.

Insist on a scan of your adrenal glands. It was an “incidental discovery “ when I had a chest X-ray. I, too, have osteoporosis which was discovered at an earlier than normal age and very advanced. It was discovered that I have bilateral Adrenal Adenomas. I see my Endocrinologist soon. A Family doctor told me not to worry about them because they were discovered incidentally. If you look up adenomas of the Adrenal Glands, severe Osteoporosis occurs due to chemicals being released from these “ non functioning tumors”. It has been discovered that these Adenomas need to be addressed. Look this up….it was so amazing that it fits my problems to the max. Be a squeaky wheel, there is a reason you have advanced Osteoporosis.

Thanks for asking her. I appreciate it.

Thank you @newenglandtransplant and @researchmaven for your insights on weights. OP is a bit of wild card for all of us when it comes to exercise. I think a mix of professional advice and real-life experience is helpful.
I wonder how it is that we can do weights most of your life (like newenglanddtransplant) or run for 3 decades (like me) and still get OP. But we did! I suppose it can be genes or perhaps an underlying issue that an endocrinologist could diagnose. Still lots to learn!

Seeing my Endocrinologist soon for Bilateral Adrenal Adenomas. I like to educate myself as to what this is, and found this info.My bilateral Adrenal Adenomas were discovered accidentally when I was given a chest X-ray. My family doc said not to worry, it was found incidentally, so nothing needed to be done. I researched it and discovered that cortisol affects the bones ……and the adenoma could be producing additional cortisol over the years.

I have Osteoporosis, advanced for my age. Both hips are replaced and 3 ribs broken. Other symptoms Cortisol creates is an increasing of sweat…. I drip sweat just going to the car. Exhaustion, brain fog, hypoglycemic episodes, aches all over are just a handful of my symptoms.

I am ready for my appointment.