Is medication really necessary?

Thank you! Would love to stay in touch!

I would love to know your supplement routine. I am in the same place and just started Fosamax and not liking the side effects. I do all the right things but would love a natural approach rather than meds

I don't know... if all we had to do was take supplements, nobody would have osteoporosis. That sounds way too simple to me.

@sgtmlt2 I will post my experience, and path, as I understand and know, everyones is different. I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis in 2023, and was diagnosed via a dexa scan. My doctor wanted to get me on Reclast asap, and unfortunately I had a twrrible reaction from Reclast and An allergic reaction. I was very sick for over 2 weeks from this, and knew I couldnt try this therapy again. I continually looked at other therapies, and eventually found this forum, last year just after my Reclast infusion. I remember many people speaking about a Echolight Rems Scan. The hospitals here, where I live, dont offer this, however, I found a clinic that offered it, for $235, insurance did not cover this. However, after having the Echolight Scan in the earlier part of this year, I was told, shown, that I did not have severe osteoporosis. This was great, and information that someone recommended on this forum. I was shown the scan, and was given detailed information regarding where I was. There are 3 zones on the scan, green, yellow and red. Green is a healthy place to be regarding bone density and integrity. Yellow is noted for osteopenia, and red for severe osteoporosis. I wish I had had this scan prior to the Reclast infusion, but none the less, the information was received and applied. I do feel that the scan was imperative to noting the real integrity of my bone, as if I hadnt learned this, I would have continued down an unnecessary path of medications that were not needed and a diagnosis that was clearly wrong. If you can get the Echolight Rems scan, I would do that first. They actually show you the readout of the bone, and there is no radiation or pain. I am going to focus on muscle and strength training, as a form of ensuring healthy muscles, bones, to keep myself within that healthy zone. I have already started lifestyle and diet changes, incorporating supplements as necessary. I have noticed many positive changes. I realize that this may or may not be a path for certain people, however, ask questions, research, discuss your goals with your doctor, and utilize whatever information on this forum. For me it proved vital.

I notice that the New Chapter supplement contains strontium. It seems that most of the success stories from supplements include strontium. Others have had success with Osteo-Naturals mineral whey and algaecal with strontium. I thought I had heard that strontium is not good to take, but it may be the secret ingredient. It is very difficult to land on the right supplement.

A while back, someone posted on here that more people post what didn’t work and bad side effects, than post what did work for them. Something to consider. This is a very small cohort, though it’s great to hear of other’s experiences. I hate taking meds but I trust the endocrinologist and cardiologist that I go to.

My experience is I did fine on alondronate for 3 years. After a year of weight lifting twice a week my spine, on DEXA, went to -0. Hips stayed around -2. I now am getting Evenity injections. Per the endocrinologist I take 500 mg of calcium and 2000 mg of D daily. Gratefully I don’t have side effects from any of the medications I take.

I am 95% plant based. My urine test (pee in a hat) showed i have enough calcium in my body so that wasn’t the cause of my osteoporosis. I started the meds when I was 68 or so. Am 72 now and very active.

Not simple at all and meds may still be in the future for me but I owe it to myself to give my routine a chance for the next year or two. In 2018, I was given a prescription for a statin due to my high cholesterol. I thought about taking the drug like millions do (including my husband and most of my friends) but decided to use myself as a test subject adhering to dietary changes. It worked beautifully. Grant it, treating osteoporosis is far, far more difficult than managing cholesterol but I'm not looking for a miracle here but rather if I can maintain my DEXA numbers or perhaps improve my scores only a smidgen I would happy with that result. The results of my next DEXA results (in 2026) ) will determine what I do next.

My supplement routine;
Morning:
3 prunes
1 multi (w calcium) /Bayer 1x Day
2 curcumin (Thorne)
2 fish oil (Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Extra)
1 calcium (Citracal Petites w D)
1 vitamin D (Thorne 1000 IU)
2 vitamin K/mk-7
(Life Extension Low Dose)

Afternoon:
3 prunes
3 magnesium glycinate (Pure
Encapsulations)

Evening
2-3 calcium (Citracal Petites w D)
1 vitamin K (inc. K1 & K2/mk-4
and K2/mk-7 (Thorne)
1 vitamin D (Thorne 1000 IU)

Total vitamin D: 4000 IU (including what's in the fish oil, multi, and Citracal).

I take 2 separate vitamin K dosages (and separate brands as well) in order to have a total of 180 mcg. of vitamin K/mk-7.

Over the years, I had consumed very little calcium and very little (complete) protein by adhering to a whole food/plant based diet 80-90% of the time. Now I eat around 50g of protein/daily (mostly complete protein) spread throughout the day, and eat yogurt for calcium and protein as well as other dairy. Protein is very inportant for bones as well.

Also check out the Facebook group "Osteoporosis Natural Remedies". It's so interesting to see other people's approaches to dealing with their osteoporosis in a variety of ways.

You’re correct. It does contain strontium. There are some studies that suggest it can help bones. Everyone is different and it may not be recommended for people with certain health issues. It’s always a good idea to do as much research as possible before making a decision about new supplements or medications. It can be complicated and confusing to determine the best course of action. Good luck.

Thank you so much, this is so helpful and I may take a page out of your playbook. I am having trouble with the Fosamax and will stop taking it. The side effects are too much for me. I’m going to try the more natural way.