I have been doing quite a bit of research on bone density and how to improve it. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 2 years ago, -2.5 score, which is borderline. I have broken many bones over my life, most having nothing to do with osteoporosis, the first being fractured tibia and fibula when I was 13 years old, and a fractured fibula, same leg, a year later. I am 74 now. The last fracture was about two years ago, while hitching up a camper trailer to my car, I felt a pop, and oh the pain. I had fractured L4, which I am pretty sure is osteoporosis related. I've started on Fosamax, and I hate it. It gives me the worst constipation of my life.

From my research, I've learned that the absolute best way to strengthen bones is exercise, particularly strength training, weight lifting, etc. But now, as of this past spring, I've been diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 1, Grade 1, hormone positive, and HER2 negative. It was a tiny 6mm tumor found on a routine screening mammogram, and for which I felt nothing. I've had a lumpectomy and radiation, and I am now considered cured, but on an aromatase inhibitor, Letrozole, for the next five years to prevent a recurrence. I have none of the lousy side effects that many women experience on letrozole, except that it will invariably result in bone loss. I need that like a hole in the head.

My point for writing this is I am planning to take the fosomax for a while, as a kickstarter to bone development, but using bone strengthening exercises as my main modality for bone strengthening. In about a year, I plan to completely go off the fosamax. I have read that using fosomax as a kickstarter is a good strategy, as long as you follow through with a consistent exercise program. That's my plan. Hope this helps.