After being diagnosed with Osteoporosis in the spring of 2025 based on just a DEXA score of -3.2 lumbar spine, my PCP wanted to prescribe Fosamax….without doing any further testing! Fortunately, I declined the prescription, and started doing research. There are a LOT of materials out there, some made me very scared, but most educated me about the various medications, treatments, etc. I just finished doing all the various tests my endocrinologist had me do (CTX, P1NP, BSap, vitamin D, 24 hour urine test, to name a few). I meet with her in a few weeks to go over all the tests. At this point, I am leaning towards NOT going on any medications because my FRAX score (fracture risk assessment) came in very low which is a good thing. In addition, I am training 2-3 times a week, seeing a dietitian to make sure I am eating correctly, and have made lifestyle changes.
For anyone just diagnosed, BREATHE and educate yourself before starting on any medications. Like you just mentioned, each medication has to be done in the proper order, and people should not be on them for a long time (case in point, Fosamax) because the bones get brittle the longer you are on them.
Thanks to today’s technology, you can find good resource on YouTube or chatGPT so you no longer have to rely only on what your doctor tells you (who sometimes are not very well educated about Osteoporosis).
My favorite podcasts on YouTube are Margie Bissinger (she interviews many doctors and OP experts), OsteoBoston, Sarah Mapes….