Connect
← Return to Help finding HRT over 10 years post menopause
Discussion
Help finding HRT over 10 years post menopause
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Jun 26 11:56am | Replies (103)Comment receiving replies
*2026 May. I am newly diagnosed with spine osteoporosis, a diagnosis a result from pain radiating to “under my (front) ribs on left side. An X-ray performed finding “age related compression fracture” in my spine from a fall several months prior.
Jumping back…,
*2017 DXA results: “L1-2 excluded for significantly different results when compared to adjacent vertebrae”.
AP Spine (L3-4) -0.91.1 normal. This is 2017.
*2026 DXA (after that Xray) gave results;
femoral neck 0.655,
total hip left 0. 835,
total fore arm right, 0.450,
1/3 forearm right, 0.533,
UD forearm right 0.352.
There was no scan of my Spine saying that they were not able to do that area!!!
I don’t understand this?
If I go onto the recommend RX anabolic 2yr treatment for the diagnosis of osteoporosis of the spine (due to my compression fracture), how will they monitor my spine’s improvement, if they cannot take a DXA of that area, prior?
I read here about the details of improvements to the bone in the spine of those on Rx therapy. Is that totally from undamaged spines, with no compressions or herniations?
Does everyone else get Bone Density tests of their Spine?
I’d like to hear your input and experiences, because I feel I need to push back on this, before I commit to Rx therapy.
Thank you very much.
Replies to "*2026 May. I am newly diagnosed with spine osteoporosis, a diagnosis a result from pain radiating..."
@countryliving I think many of these questions regarding your DEXA scan what the results mean are questions you should ask your doctor. Remember that bones change very slowly, so you have time to get answers to your questions before you make a decision about bone drugs. It's normal to feel scared. Again, you have time to research things and get answers to your questions. Don't feel pressured to make a quick decision. There's lots of information on this site and people willing to help.
Usually the DEXA scans the lumbar spine. The upper portion of the spine is not included in the DEXA scan because the ribs are in the way.
Check out Brick House Bones on Facebook by Dr Lisa Moore, a PT specializing in osteoporosis. She has free exercise videos and information, although drugs are not discussed. The Better Bones website also has great information.
Here is a link to discussion that might be helpful regarding tests that are available. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bone-scans-explained-and-what-your-results-really-mean/
Connect
@countryliving
What were your t-scores?
I know that DEXA can give inaccurate results if there is arthritis in the spine; can actually make the results look better. I have not had one yet, but the REMS scan are able to give a more accurate picture with arthritis. I also know that if you can get a DEXA that offers TBS (Trabecular Bone Strength) software, that can give a better picture of overall risk. There are others who know more about this and can give you more detailed information. You may want to check out the REMS or DEXA topics.