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CTX availability?
After 20+ years on Evista, I switched from my PCP to an endocrinologist at a major medical center 4 years ago when my osteopenia drifted into osteoporosis territory. There was improvement following the first 2 Reclast infusions which nudged my DEXA scan scores slightly back into the realm of osteopenia. The final 2 infusions provided very little to no improvement. My endocrinologist recommends either continuing with Reclast or taking a holiday and then proceeding with one of the stronger OP meds.
I asked about CTX or any other tests but was told by my endocrinologist and the DEXA scan technician that nothing else was available at this and associated facilities. I would be happy to have feedback from others.
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@babs10 I did look into that. According to the website, it's available at several locations throughout the system but not the specific location where I've been getting my DEXA scans. That said, the technician at my location said that it was not available at all throughout the system.
@babs10 Thanks for the clarification!
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@tillymack That's annoying. This sounds strange but you might look through ChatGPT. I've had a few happy surprises that way.
@tillymack CTX and P1NP are blood tests, yes.
The software than can be used with a DXA scan is called TBS (trabecular bone score) which assigns values to your bone microstructure (strength vs density). The trick is to find a facility that has that software.
@tillymack The CTx test I'm familiar with is not part of the DEXA scan but is obtained from a blood test. You can search online and find descriptions of it. Here is just one:
https://scienceinsights.org/what-is-a-ctx-blood-test-for-bone-turnover/
babs10 mentioned TBS software that can be offered along with your DEXA scan. It is not available everywhere now so you do have to check. The TBS/DEXA and the CTx are different diagnostics that can be ordered to evaluate bone health.
@prarysky Thank you!
@prarysky Thanks very much for the information.
CTX indicates bone breakdown and the P1NP indicates new bone building. It's advisable to get both as baselines, especially if you are considering medication. It's also important to repeat the tests after you've been on medication for a while (6 months?) to determine if you are responding to the meds.