The matter of bone markers is apparently very complex. With kidney disease, for instance, I know I cannot rely on the CTX. I think it is reasonable to think, as my endo does (chair of top endo dept.) that they don't tell us everything about what is going on in our bones. But if used with caution and at the right time (I have missed the right times!) they are certainly useful I am sure.

I know that menopause and cancer treatment, both of which reduced my estrogen, are the main causes of my osteoporosis. Testing of parathyroid and history of steroid use, exttreme athletic activity, eating disorders, use of acid reflux meds, and celiac are all possible contributors. Also we are living longer than humans ever did!