Has anyone treated their osteoporosis without drugs?

I'm in a similar situation. Following responses.

rockettgirl,
sure.
Prolia is the strongest of these medications. It can have terrible side effects, but some people have none. It is difficult to stop taking it because of how it works. It stops the cells that breakdown bone, but doesn't destroy them. It stops them just before their release and collects them. When you stop Prolia, this collection of cells come after your bones. You can't stop or even be late for your injections. When you stop you are usually prescribed Reclast.
Reclast stops the cells that breakdown down bone. It prevents them from attaching to the bone and these cells fall away and self destruct. It is usually a yearly injection. Some few people have terrible side effects, but most have achy joints and some people have no side effects. This drug is less strong than Prolia, but stronger than the third medication Fosamax.
Fosamax is the same class of drug as Reclast and works in the same way. They are both bisphosphonates.
Because it is an oral medication it isn't as strong as Reclast. And can cause reflux as it acidic. Many people have mild side effects with Fosamax. It is a daily or weekly oral dose it leaves your body more quickly than Prolia or Reclast, so the side effects are less intense when they occur and you don't suffer as long.
There are medications that you haven't been offered.
One is Evenity. Evenity is the same class drug as Prolia. It has a black box for cardiac issues. It has proven to add bone faster than the other medications. It is the latest and is proving very popular among endocrinologists because of the added bone. It is a double injection every month. Most have arm swelling and many have joint pain. But some don't. The use of Evenity is limited to one year. There are scattered accounts of successful two year administrations.
Finally there are my two favorites Tymlos and Forteo. They work the way our bodies naturally work to increase bone density and quality. They increase the cells that produce bone and they increase the cells that dissolve bone. Now the cells that dissolve bone are important because they are attracted to bone that is weak or fissured. And they remove that bone. They encourage the cells that produce new bone. They work as a unit
The process is slower than laying new bone over fissured bone. Both drugs are self administered as a daily injection. Some people have adverse reactions, but usually only briefly because the drug leaves your system within 24 hours.
Their use is generally for two years, but increasingly endocrinologist are expanding their use. I've been on Forteo without any side effects for over two years and plan on staying on it.
So, I'd recommend that you call the PA and ask for script for Forteo.
If that proves impossible, my choice of the three medications offered would be Reclast with a lower dose than the 5mg, a slower more dilute infusion than the standard 15 minute, and I'd hope that the medication would help for two years ( as it often does) instead of one year.
I would also ask for bone markers--CTX and P1NP to ascertain that the medication I chose was working for me.
I'm happy to field any questions and hope you get more and different opinions from other good people on this site.

@pyates … I understand where you're coming from, but many people have had difficult experiences with medications, and it's absolutely valid to approach any treatment with caution. That said, it's important to remember that each person’s journey with this disease is different, and what works (or doesn’t work) for one person may not apply to another.
Researching treatment options, including medications, isn’t about blind trust in the pharmaceutical industry, it’s about exploring every possible tool to slow progression and preserve quality of life. I think we can all agree that those living with chronic illness deserve access to accurate information and support without judgment or unnecessary negativity.
If you have concerns, it’s perfectly okay to raise them, but doing so respectfully helps everyone feel safe to share their experiences and make the best decisions for their own health.

@gently I was diagnosed two years ago osteopenia of the hip and osteoporosis of the spine -2.5. I have seen three doctors who have prescribed Fosomax and Reclast neither of which I have taken yet. I am doing everything I can to maintain or improve my bone density without medication. My question is I have not had a CTX or P1NP only a Dexa scan. I’ve asked the doctor about the tests and he pretty much said no. Should I inquire again, would it be helpful in determining whether medication is needed? I lift weights, run, jump, etc. My bone quality should be good. Thank you for your help!

@hemigal04

I'm confused now...are you saying I disrespected someone on this board? If so, I'm surprised, as that wasn't my intention, and - as best as I can tell - I didn't say anything disdainful or arrogant.

Regarding my post, I merely stated that I am not aware that osteoporosis could be treated without meds. OP asked a very general question, and my intention was to be helpful by sharing info I've obtained from reading and listening to doctors. That's all.

In fact, if anyone knows of any non-pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis, I'm eager to listen. I'm living with the disease myself.

@pyates I have heard that some people get hormone therapy, and there are fewer side effects…whatever we choose will have plus and minus, and a good doc can sort out what’s likely to be best for us with the least downside…docs check out what others meds we take and any vulnerabilities we may have….personally, I’m starting out with increased exercises, walking, carefully chosen supplements and attention to diet. I have to be careful of meds and supplements due to recent colon cancer….Will see how it all works out… if something doesn’t work ,will just keep trying until i get something that does. Best of luck to you !

@gently I was diagnosed two years ago osteopenia of the hip and osteoporosis of the spine -2.5. I have seen three doctors who have prescribed Fosomax and Reclast neither of which I have taken yet. I am doing everything I can to maintain or improve my bone density without medication. My question is I have not had a CTX or P1NP only a Dexa scan. I’ve asked the doctor about the tests and he pretty much said no. Should I inquire again, would it be helpful in determining whether medication is needed? I lift weights, run, jump, etc. My bone quality should be good. Thank you for your help!

@nycmusic

Thanks for the feedback.

Just for the record, I'll mention that I have a 79 year old who was diagnosed with osteoporosis about ten years. The doctor advised bisphosphanates, which my aunt rejected because she's wary of the side effects. Instead, she took up running and exercise, hoping to strengthen her bones that way.

Today, she's still running and working out, and has never suffered any fractures. I didn't talk her about whether her T and/or Z scores have improved, declined, or remained constant. But if anyone's interested I could ask.

This info is something I just remembered today. I wish I had thought of it earlier, and put it in my first post replying to OP's question.

(P.S. - I'm not saying that my aunt found a successful non-pharmaceutical treatment for her osteoporosis, and I'm certainly not advising anyone to disregard their physician's recommendation on meds. As a layman, I have no idea why my aunt's case appears to have turned out well so far. But I'm mentioning her case because it's relevant to this thread's topic.)

I was also prescribed Fosamax. I took only 2 pills out of the prescription because like you, I was too freaked out by the side effects that I had read about to continue the drug! I decided to take a different approach. I take collagen, multivitamin, D3, K2, magnesium and some calcium. But I get plenty of calcium in my diet from almond milk (Im somewhat lactose intolerant), Lactaid cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, almonds, prunes, unhulled black sesame seeds (90mg calcium/tablespoon) and cooked kale.
I have also joined my YMCA and work out with weights, which i have never done before in my life! Im 72. I walk and I have have a recumbant bike that I ride occasionally. I am hoping that all this activity along with strengthening my muscles with weights and my adjusted diet will be enough to reverse my osteopenia .

kitz@busylady I am taking Bone Up by Jarrow to help because it seems better. Unfortunately we all have to wait two years before we can get a Dexa to check. Sounds like you are working hard, keep on.