why does everything have to be so hard???

It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do and to even see a Dr about my osteoporosis. My spine was the area in osteoporosis 2.7, had just flipped into osteoporosis. From these forums I felt i had time figure out what to do. After lots of tests mine was just due to lack of estrogen. Then it took months to find a functional medicine Dr, but not covered by my insurance "out of network". I paid out of pocket and for me it was worth. I just submitted the out of pocket itemized bills to my insurance and a a certain point my out of network deductible was filled and they reimbursed me. It been over a year and I'm still good with my decision. I'm on topical hormones since March of 2025. My initial diagnosis of osteoporosis was 2023, 2024 was all about figuring it out and getting tests run, then beginning of 2025 got started with functional medicine Dr.
Totally understand your frustration, had to navigate what to do myself and then the out of pocket costs were a bit much. I'm thankful for the forums where many share there different approaches and successes.
Unless you've already fractured or your scores are truly at the high end of osteoporosis, you have time.

I have the same problem here in Los Angeles. My first endocrinologist moved so I had to find another one. Most were booked out into Feb 2027 or later! And dealing with insurance is another battle. Some will not cover specialty osteoporosis drugs. I hope you hang in there. Don't give up...

@oknowwhatpixie
Thanks for talking me off the cliff 🙂 This is my first real encounter with the US healthcare system as I've been healthy (or thought I was) until now. No chronic conditions, no medications, etc. so I never had to do much more than get my annual exams, mammograms and colonoscopies. What an eye opener this has been.

You mentioned "after lots of tests" you figured out it was estrogen. If you don't mind sharing, what tests were done? I'm trying to gather as much information before I go back to my NP.

Thanks again!

@roseincalifornia
Thanks for the encouragement! I do have to laugh about insurance. I just became eligible for Medicare this year, and ended up picking a medicare advantage plan based on my belief that I was healthy. So, I didn't think too much about drug formularies, specialist copays, deductibles, or their in network. The interaction I've had this far with them in terms of getting clarity on coverage hasn't left me with many warm fuzzies. The good news is I can ride them out for the next 6 months and find a better/different plan in January. Wish I'd gone medigap supplement instead of advantage. Oh well!

Not easy, the choices not great and hard to find available care, much less to find a doc that actually works WITH you, not just pushing nasty pills, etc. wishing you success !! Hang in there is about all anyone can say, keep seeking—after all it’s YOUR life !!

Also, consider providers within a practice who are not necessarily MDs. I work with an advanced practice nurse in a rheumatology practice, fully covered by my BCBS HMO, and she's been great.

@bmblsad
The following videos helped me greatly when first getting started. I knew when i finally got in to see a Dr what questions to ask and to make sure tests (blood & urine) were run. Because if they don't understand the underlying reason for your osteoporosis you could start a treatment and not get the results exected.

Causes and treatments

Do you have a gynecologist? I have had an excellent gynecologist for 20+ years and she was the one who prescribed HRT when I was in perimenopause. She also sent me for my first DEXA scan at age 53.

I don’t know what kind of insurance plan you are on but if it’s a PPO, you may be able to see a gynecologist without a referral and they can prescribe HRT. Many are up to date on the latest research around HRT and osteoporosis.

You can also equip yourself before your appointment and provide information about this to your doctor.

It’s ideal to see a specialist but it often requires a referral from your PCP. This doesn’t have to be difficult. In my case, I found the endocrinology clinic I wanted to use and sent my PCP a note asking her to submit a referral. It was done within a day.

If you are on traditional Medicare then you can see who ever you want in the Medicare system.

I would caution you that HRT may help, but it isn’t a cure or the only thing you can do. I’ve been on it for 14 years (I am 65) and it didn’t prevent my bone density from continuing to decrease. I have been on medication and have followed all the lifestyle advice over the years but still fractured. I did find out last year that I have an underlying health condition called hypercalciuria that can contribute to osteoporosis and have started on medication to address that.

Good luck and I hope you find the help you need.