This is an overwhelming diagnosis and even the experts have wildly varying opinions on how to address OP. You'll find a lot of good information and support here. though.
I will share what I did anyway. I think we have all forged our own paths with MDs and/or functional medicine providers:
I was diagnosed in 2023 with OP. The worst score was my hip at a -3.5 with a subsequent DXA 2 years later which reported a -2.5. The MD thinks the -3.5 was an incorrect reading b/c it was kind of an outlier from the other scores.
I found an endocrinologist who scared the hell out of me so I started shopping.
I found another who wanted to prescribe Prolia right out of the gate so I left.
II found another really good MD who subsequently retired.
Finally, I did a google search for various endocrinologists in my area and got on waiting lists (sheesh). I finally landed with a good MD and I feel like we are a good team. She is always prepared, listens to me and is willing to let me experiment a little. So far, I have avoided medication, but my TBS was not great so we'll see. I don't want to take meds, but I don't want to fracture even more than that.
I am 70 years old and started HRT and progesterone on June 1st (so far, so good - sleeping like a baby). I started to eat a lot more protein, take K2, MK7 and D3 supplements and I get my calcium from food. I am in an Onero weight lifting class 2x a week. Here's a link to maneuver to see if there is anything near you: https://onero.academy/locations/
I also watched a lot of webinars, most of which are available on youtube.
Margie Bissinger: https://www.youtube.com/@margiebissinger6980
Osteoboston: https://www.youtube.com/@osteoboston
International Osteoporosis Foundation IOF: https://www.youtube.com/user/iofbonehealth
Lisa Moore, DPT for exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch
Irma Jennings - recipes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7EIG9je_itwaNq-t1y6M5g
Maybe you'll be fortunate enough to find an all in one provider, but I had to piece it together and it took me 2.5 years to feel somewhat settled.
I wish you all the best.
@babs10 I cheered aloud when I read in your post, “I am 70 and started HRT and progesterone”. It is my hope to be saying the same in a month if I can find a doc that will listen and prescribe. I saw that you belong to OsteoBoston as do I. Any chance you’re in the greater Boston area? I’d like to start a coffee meet up and perhaps you are interested.
Thanks
Ann