Welcome. I was diagnosed with osteopenia at age 53. I started HRT at 51 but didn't have my first DEXA until 53. Despite the HRT, a good diet, resistance training, and calcium, Vit D, and Vit K supplements I progressed to osteoporosis by age 57. I also had a tremendous amount of stress in my life at the time which may have contributed.

I was placed on Fosamax at 57 and took it for over five years. I had a T8 compression fracture at age 62 so the bisphosphonate didn't work effectively for me. My spinal T-score was never worse than -1.6.

I'm off the Fosamax and have done 4 months of Tymlos, 3 months off, then 1.5 months of Forteo to build bone. Unfortunately, the Forteo has resulted in joint pain that is so bad I can't exercise. As someone who has exercised regularly for 13 years now (lifting weights, running, cycling, etc.) not being able to exercise is not an option.

I hope your path doesn't follow mine and the HRT and other lifestyle options work for you. I just wanted to chime in to say that sometimes HRT doesn't always work. One recommendation I have is that if your doctor wants you to try Fosamax, make sure they are regularly assessing you and don't leave you on it for two long. Fosamax worked for me for two years then was no longer effective. It also slows down new bone growth when taken for long periods. The recommendation is to take it for between 3 to 5 years but that may be too long for some individuals like me who end up developing brittle bone that fractures easily.

Good luck!