Afraid it the treatment meds for osteoporosis

Do you mean your dexa score was -3.7. was -37 just a mistype or are you using another type of test that measures differently?
My dexa score is -3.5 and I chose to go on estrogen/progesterone and will have my next dexa in about 6 month.
In the mean time I have had 3 CTx blood tests that shows that it may be working. so far a 40% change. Don't know yet what all this will mean, but will let you know after my dexa test is complete. Could just be in the osteoblast/osteoclast cycle when getting the tests?

mahonlye, your low T scores are most likely the result of declining estrogen levels, not lifestyle issues.
Your decision may depend upon which you fear worse fracture or medication. If you've seen anyone
suffer fracture it will weights heavily on your decision.
I've been on Forteo for almost three years with no side effects. And, though some will differ in opinion,
I think it is important to not tolerate side effects and to begin medication with the lowest dose available.
HRT for all it's advantages, isn't good at increasing bone density. It can be quite good at maintaining current density status.
I took one of the two drugs that look the safest to me-- Forteo. Tymlos is the other. But I think the choice, your choice needs some raw luck. I was taken with the fact that these medications leave your system the most rapidly, so side effects are usually temporary. You can just quit. Reclast side effects can last over a year. Prolia over six months, without counting rebound, Evenity over six months. May you never fracture

Thank you for listening and sharing .. yes, I agree. Unfortunately, at the time of my menopause, recommendations were negative for HRT. I understand adding estrogen for me today would not improve my numbers.
I’m really wondering if anyone has had good results with working with a naturopath and with any of the natural products that are out there. Has anyone had a positive result with any natural remedy that they can share?

@samclembeau

Interesting and encouraging to hear adding Estrogen / progesterone could help your current scores. I have been told that it could not do that, and could only help with keeping them from getting worse.

Regardless of what your decision is regarding medication, I have a few thoughts. The ultimate goal is to reduce fracture risk. Given your T score you are at high risk for fractures if you fail or even spontaneous compression fractures of the spine. Has your doctor checked a vitamin D level?

It sounds as though you are in excellent health and not an exceptionally high fall risk. Regardless, most falls occur at home. I would go through your house looking and changing anything that could cause a trip or fall. Clutter my, wires in walking path, areas rugs, poor lighting (especially on the stairs). There are other home risks that my brain cannot access at the moment. Google environmental fall risks for a more comprehensive list.

Also consider an eye exam if you haven’t had one in a year, poor vision can lead to falls.

Consider a short course of physical therapy to learn how to best manage your spine: heavy lifting precautions, best way to twist and bend. There is probably more that a PT can offer than I list here.

Just a few thoughts…

Thank you for your response…. Agree with all.
Oh yes, I’ve been on D3 for years and my levels are checked routinely. I am always thinking and aware of my movements to stay as safe as possible while lifting, walking, etc.. I do 5 days a week of exercise classes that include balance, resistance weight and core building strength - I’m trying desperately to avoid a fracture, but am also aware that my T score number puts me at high risk for fracture regardless.
For me personally, the struggle is simply accepting these medications that change my body on a cellular level, it’s so unnatural to make a 68 yr old grow bone. I’m afraid and I struggle knowing it might help my osteoporosis, but what does it destroy, change or do otherwise? My Drs remind me the risk stats are “low” but does anyone else worry that medications are sometimes pushed for financial purposes or that information comes out at a later date that disproves what the medical professionals supported prior- ie; if HRT is bad or good, if statins are needed etc…. These thoughts are what causes me to delay the treatment.

@mahonlye for me the fear is osteonecrosis.

@mahonlye sorry I can’t quite answer your question, but my osteopath/MD is helping me presently…e recommends good diet, useful exercises and supports lots of walking…..though I’m on my own to seek my own personal best supplement, not easy due to sensitivity to magnesium in many supplements… still, i check out what I find with the DO/MD to be more sure of what I’m taking is as good as possible….remember, DOs are fully trained docs, not chiropractors.

@laura1970