Has anyone treated their osteoporosis without drugs?

Posted by hemigal04 @hemigal04, Sep 20 4:43pm

Hello all … I am a 68 y/o lady, 5’1 and 115lbs. I have always been petite and of small stature. I recently went to a new physician who ran a battery of tests on me, which all came back great, except for my Dexa scan which came back with a T score of -3.8. The physician immediately wanted to write me a script for Fosamax. After reading about it, I am freaked out. Here’s a bit of background on me. I have never smoked, don’t drink and am fairly active. I still work part-time and love being active. Have any of you tried to combat osteoporosis from a “natural” healing angle? I have NEVER taken any meds, gosh I never even have the need for aspirin, as I don’t experience headaches. Looking for some input from actual people. It’s way too easy for a physician to write a script as I truly believe they are in cahoots with the pharmaceutical industry. My apologies if I have upset anyone. Any information, experience or feedback you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my post.

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kaybollinger79 | @kaybollinger79 | 6 days ago

In reply to @sequoia "@kaybollinger79 thank you." + (show)

@sequoia will check it out

meri8181 | @meri8181 | 6 days ago

In reply to @nycmusic "The one I found was about $20 cheaper for a month supply..New Chapter Tiny Tabs, a..." + (show)

@nycmusic
If New Chapter tiny tabs includes strontium -
I thought its supposed to be taken two hours after the multi vitamin pill like AlgaeCal plus. They separate the two with specific instructions on when to take.

babby | @babby | 6 days ago

I have commented about the side effects that were horrible with Prolia and not as severe with Reclast. I am stuck doing these drugs now for the rest of my life at age 73. If I had known, I would never have started. I would do your research and instead consider citrate calcium, d, strengthening exercises and maintaining weight. I really regret not doing my homework.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 6 days ago

In reply to @meri8181 "@nycmusic If New Chapter tiny tabs includes strontium - I thought its supposed to be taken..." + (show)

@meri8181 honestly, I am not sure about how to take them in the situation you describe…the amount of strontium is low…i have some New Chapter, but am using the AlgaeCalPlus now and may switch when I use them all up. Strontium is something I need to study more. good luck getting what works for you.

glojo | @glojo | 6 days ago

In reply to @meri8181 "@nycmusic If New Chapter tiny tabs includes strontium - I thought its supposed to be taken..." + (show)

@meri8181 good point. This is why when/if I try strontium citrate, I will take it as a single supplement, like I do my D, K, Mg, etc. That way I can introduce it slowly at a low dose, manage how I increase or decrease it, and keep it away from calcium (food or supplement).

debbie1956 | @debbie1956 | 6 days ago

In reply to @geranium1 "@singingbones All the calcium I have tried so far have given me stomach upset: New Chapter,..." + (show)

@geranium1 My functional medicine physician, N.A. menopause Society certified, told me yesterday her patients report that AOR Bone Basics is easier on their stomach than Now hydroxyapatite calcium as the AOR contains other ingredients that buffer the calcium. But I think everyone is different and reacts differently to different supplements and medications. There is no one size fits all.

jenjarv10 | @jenjarv10 | 6 days ago

In reply to @script72 "I am a person trying really hard to beat low bone density without taking bone meds...." + (show)

@script72

I am a person trying really hard to beat low bone density without taking bone meds. I have similar profile as yours in that I take only one low dosage prescription for cholesterol and that is it. I am 77. I was encouraged by GYN to take Fosomax in my mid 50’s for osteopenia. I took it for five years with a two year vacation and back on it for three years. I then started reading the side effects of long term use, even though I was not experiencing any bad effects, and decided I did not want to take such potent drugs for the rest of my life. I especially made this decision after a friend who was taking Fosomax had her femur snap when she was taking a shower and had to be rushed to the hospital and now has a rod in her leg and is in some pain every day in her leg! I read a lot, ask questions of those both on and off bone meds to help me decide what is best for me. I do not drink, smoke, keep my weight down, talked to a nutritionist, exercise everyday for 30 minutes with weights every other day and cardio. I wear a 10-pound weighted vest when exercising for extra resistance. I work out on an osteogenetic machine once a week to increase bone density in hip and spine. I use a vibrating chair pad also for 30 minutes every day to stimulate my spinal column. I have done a lot of reading on the Wolff method for this osteogenetic method. Google it and read up on it. I’ve done this for three years. First DEXA scan after a couple of years showed minimal improvement which meant everything to me. I will go for another DEXA (which my reading reported can have up to a 5% error in reporting). Vitamin K helps distribute calcium through blood. I take Vit D and two good calcium supplements after talking to nutritionist.
I personally cannot psychologically take the bone meds as I feel it modifies the natural resorption of one’s bones but I find no fault for those who support bone meds for them. I have also had four dental implants and do not in any way want to jeopardize this very expensive work or have jaw issues. This is a hard nut to crack!!

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@script72 What vibrating chair pad did you get to build bone in your spine?

detta | @detta | 6 days ago

In reply to @wews "@detta I think bones don’t strengthen or weaken overnight. I believe from all my research and..." + (show)

@wews I didn’t know about the Foundation site. Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement 🤗

debbie1956 | @debbie1956 | 6 days ago

I thought my recent CTX results might provide some encouragement for those looking for non traditional pharmaceutical treatments. my REMS T score was -3 in April of 2024 at age 67 (-3.5 on dexa in November 2023). My CTX in May was 688 after taking many supplements recommended by Keith McCormick for 5 months. In July of 2024, I consulted a functional medicine physician, N.A Menopause Society certified, and was prescribed BHRT with a patch. In February of 2025 my CTX went down to 138, about an 80% drop since starting BHRT, and my REMS spine T score was -2.6 up from -3 . My CTX on September 22nd, 7 months later, was reduced again at 99 from 138. My physician said it's possible I may have some small gains on BHRT and if so would likely lose them if I stop the BHRT. I have no problem with this as I'm enjoying the benefits of better sleep and feeling of calm. I still take OP supplements recommended by Keith McCormick. The functional medicine physician says the supplements have likely played some role in bringing down my CTX as well. I am 68 now, have never taken osteoporosis medications and never fractured, however if my condition severely worsened or I fractured, I would not rule out medication.

script72 | @script72 | 6 days ago

In reply to @jenjarv10 "@script72 What vibrating chair pad did you get to build bone in your spine?" + (show)

I ordered from Amazon. I wish I could forward a photo for you but here are details for you to look up.

COMFIER Back Massager Seat Cushion w/heat, 10 vibration motors. $53.99.

I turn on power, select upper back, lower back, seat and select high intensity. I do 30-minutes in chair while watching TV! I’m giving it a good try!!