I was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at 51, despite exercising, eating well, and taking calcium and vitamin D. Genetics play a big role—my mom was diagnosed at 50, has had 16+ fractures, and lost 4 inches of height from compression fractures. I hoped to avoid her experience but found my bones were worse.

The best decision I made was seeing a specialist. Treatments have come a long way, and the order in which you take medications is crucial. Some drugs can only be taken for limited periods, so planning long-term—especially when diagnosed young—is essential.

I waited six months for an appointment with a top osteoporosis clinic founder (worth the wait!). In the meantime, I spoke with a PhD overseeing clinical trials, which helped me prepare questions. The specialist recommended starting with an anabolic bone-building drug before moving to a bisphosphonate to “lock in the gains.” I took Tymlos (daily injection) for 2 years—gaining 16% BMD in my spine the first year and 4% the second—then switched to Reclast (annual infusion). I’ll do 3 Reclast infusions, then take a drug holiday of 3–5 years, with bone marker tests to monitor timing for the next medication.

Other bone-building drugs include Forteo (similar to Tymlos) and Evenity (monthly for up to a year). My mom is on Prolia—great for fracture protection, but stopping it can cause “rebound” bone loss, so I’ll avoid it until I’m older.

I was very nervous at first, but my doctor encouraged me to stay active. I still ski, hike, practice martial arts, swim, whitewater raft, and play with my dogs—and I haven’t fractured. Strength, core stability, and balance training help prevent falls, and the meds add protection.

Most osteoporosis drugs, even if they don’t increase BMD, reduce fracture risk by strengthening the bone structure. Once you have a plan, don’t let osteoporosis define you.

My mom, now 83, is still going strong—she dances, tried rollerblading recently, and exercises regularly. My sister, diagnosed at 49, has held steady with bisphosphonates and no fractures. For all of us, osteoporosis is something we manage, not something that limits us.

Find a specialist, create a treatment plan, stick to it, and keep living life fully. As my doctor said, stopping activity is the worst thing you can do—just let others carry the really heavy stuff!