overwhelmed by so much (often conflicting) info on natural approaches

For what this is worth, I just had my first appointment at Herself Health in the Twin Cities Metro. It's a clinic that specializes in the health of women over 60. I was amazed by the knowledge of my PA, who will be my regular contact there. She prescribed transvaginal estrogen for me, in the interest of my bones and sexual health. I had stellar results on a Dexa scan after having used this in 2020, and am really looking forward to trying it again. It's my understanding that hormone therapy is the primary drug of choice in Europe for Osteoporosis. I think finding a supporting and knowledgable doctor with current information is challenging, and very helpful! So if you live in the Cities, I highly recommend Herself Health. I know there are people for whom both HRT, and this clinic, are not an option, but all my stars seem aligned. Good luck to you, it IS confusing out there!!!

Thank you for posting your supplement regimen. Do you take most of them in a multi or separately? Also how much Vitamin A are you taking and which kind (beta-carotene vs retinol)? I read that Vitamin A is tricky (can't have too much or too little).

madhub140 I agree with you. I just watched a podcast by a seasoned doctor who described med school as a place for MEMORIZATION. Memorize protocols and memorize standard method of treatment. They don't learn the mechanics of diseases or the mechanisms of the drugs that treat it. I'll wager that most of them never read any studies on the drugs they prescribe. I know my doctor does not.

Check out patientrevolution.org

They are working on making changes

So you seem to know better than the medical schools of our great nation on how doctors should be educated? There are pharmacists who specialize in that and they are always fail able for docs to consult with. Your doctor is not expected to know everything there is to know about everything in medicine. And if that is your expectation good luck on finding a provider you can trust according to your standards.

I'd like to chime in about the original post which talked about being overwhelmed by information. At first, I diligently researched quite a bit and learned things. Then, at some point I simply became extremely overwhelmed and had to take a vacay from this kind of reading etc. Now I am going to pick it up again.

I want women to think twice about the "natural" way. My friend was told she had osteopenia and was given some choices, all of which she rejected and tried to supplement on her own with diet and supplements. That was several years ago. Now she is dealing with small fractures in her spine due to decline over the years of calcium.
She was concerned with the side effects of some of the drugs offered to her at the time. I just opted for a once a year infusion for my osteopenia. I was also told to eat 2 Calcium soft chews per day. I'm hoping that will be enough. Time will tell.

I made the same decision because I was concerned about my spine issues

I agree - I was one of those - with statins, not osteoporosis meds - stubbornly resisted for years due to my own experience with side effects. This year I learned my "shortness of breath" and chest discomfort was not from my asthma, it was from a heart blockage. At least they found it before I had a heart attack, but now I have to take 3 meds, not just one.

As for osteoporosis, I will never hesitate to treat if I get it, 4 of my cousins (sisters) have it and the one who refuses treatment is in pain and can barely stand or walk for 10 minutes. It has really ruined her retirement.

I was diagnosed this past November with osteoporosis in my lumbar spine and osteopenia in my left hip. I've been researching ever since. MD AND my naturopath wanted me on Reclast, but after researching, I'm trying to do it naturally until my next scan. If no improvement, I'll revisit the meds. I think there are chats here about bisphosphonates like Reclast.
I'm a fan of AlgaeCal supplements. Their Facebook page has a lot of information on how to help your bones naturally. Plus, if you have a question, they have experts to answer it and people's personal experiences. I'm impressed with their science-backed products. (I get NO money from them. Darn it.) I woke up with incredible anxiety at 2 AM before my scheduled infusion of Reclast, and everyone there was very supportive. Their products are organic and natural, and they offer data proving their efficacy.
I'm doing their AlgaeCal+, collagen, fish oil, and upping resistance training.
Putting a load on your bones is essential. Start LIGHT if you haven't done it before. Bands and free weights. There is SO MUCH you can do without the bisphosphonates. Much good luck! I'm empathic with your confusion!