Has anyone not used medication after First Dexa scan spine -2.8?

I chose to not go the osteoporosis medication route. Similar to you at age spine was diagnosed in osteoporosis and my T score was -2.7

Spinal bone is the quickest to turnover because of the type of bone.

I am using very low dose topical bioidentical hormone therapy. Least amt of risk for me given family history of breast cancer.
Am also using supplements, but I don't have any cardiovascular or kidney concerns at the moment. As supplements are not right for everyone.

Based on my bone markers (blood test) comparison before and after starting BHRT my bone loss has stabilized.

If i had gone the medication route I would have insisted on pursuing a bone building medication such as Tymlos. Although insurance was probably going to be hurdle due to costs.

I had my first Dexa in 2014 at age 54 and it said my spine was -3.8. My dr. said, "I can't believe this!" I think because I seemed, and thought, I was healthy and well. I did some reading, decided all those meds were terrible and started taking extra D3 and K2.
Next Dexa, in 2024, my spine was down to -4.8. While I fought with myself over whether to take chemical action, I fractured my T7 doing lat pulldowns at the gym. (Let me just add both my mom and my aunt, her sister, had bad reactions to bisphosonates. Mom developed bleeding ulcers in her throat on Fosamax and you will never convince me that didn't contribute to her death from internal bleeding. My
aunt lost some teeth and had other dental issues. Hence my hesitation.)
After I broke my T11 bumping into a sharp corner last summer, I bit the bullet and began Evenity, which is said to build bone rather than just disrupt our body's systems by hanging on to old bone. I had no serious side effects. I just finished my year and got a score my doctor is apparently happy with. My spine increased 15%, going from -4.8 to -4.3. Now, I must decide what to do next. Frankly, I'd like another year of Evenity, but that's not an option, I guess.
I have read of other women getting good results with diet, exercise, weighted vests and all that and wish I could be one if them.
Sadder but wiser, I think I'll end up doing lots of research on Prolia and Reclast, etc., then let my Magic 8-Ball make the choice! (Kidding.) I'm 67 and my mom died at just 72. Newly retired now, I don't ever want to lose months and months to the excruciating pain of another compression fracture.
Writing this post has really helped me clarify my thoughts on this. For that, I thank you, and, oh, am I wishing you the best on your osteoporosis journey.

@oknowwhatpixie
I do have cardiovascular issues and a breast cancer gene. I was thinking of asking my doctor about the topical therapy. Someone else rec that to me. I am planning to give it a year and have the scan again and maybe a different scan? Tymlos? havent heard of that one. Thank you for the response

@callmekate
thank you so much for sharing you and your families journey. I can't use evenity because of my cardio issues. Reclast is the one my doctors are pushing. I am still exploring and need time to digest all of this.

@rmasters what is the topical therapy? Don't think I've heard of that. I have seen rumors of an ultrasound therapy, which would be fab.

I meant the topical hormone therapy. Yes, I have also heard of the ultrasound therapy. I will investigate that!

My doctor said Tymlos built better bone. I would not take Reclast first. Anabolics should be taken before using an Anti-resorptive. If insurance is a factor, most insurances have a cap on out of pocket and you will reach that soon on Tymlos. Tymlos allows adjusting of the dose. I have side effects on the full dose, but having good improvement on half-dose. Your work plan might offer a specialty pharmacy plan. I had no idea my work plan had that. I pay $0 for Tymlos. I also had surgical menopause. I had bioidentical HRT for ten years and they made me stop but today they say that ten year limit was wrong and you can stay forever. HOWEVER, since you are only seven years menopause, I would ask about taking BIOIDENTICAL estrogen/progesterone cream on the thigh. AND serious weight lifting + jumping for a year, get another DEXA and then add meds if no improvement. Here is the link for order of meds. https://www.youtube.com/watch

I just read about Shilajit. It sounds like it is being tested for maintaining bone. so maybe after Anabolics Bisphosonates will not be necessary to lock in bone gains. Would be nice for those of us that are reticent to take them.

@samclembeau
Can you share your info resources on Shilajet? Have never heard of that one. Thanks…

I found this on the internet. just typed in shilajit for osteoporosis and this popped up. I just pulled out the highlights, but there is more information there.

shilajit shows significant scientific promise for protecting against osteoporosis and slowing bone loss. A landmark 48-week human clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that daily shilajit supplementation successfully preserved bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis). While the placebo group experienced progressive bone loss, women taking shilajit saw a dose-dependent stabilization and improvement in their hip and spine density.

If you are already taking standard prescription osteoporosis medications—specifically bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax) or risedronate (Actonel)—you must exercise strict caution.