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Treat to Target -- What is your goal?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (4)Comment receiving replies
Like oopsiedaisy, my target is never to fracture. And like her, I don't put much stock in T-scores. I trust bone markers, though. Any holiday or drug transition will be because the markers indicate bone loss. Given choice, I won't stop the medication until I'm gone.
Replies to "Like oopsiedaisy, my target is never to fracture. And like her, I don't put much stock..."
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@gently
T-Scores matter a lot. Large-scale epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown a clear statistical link between lower bone density and higher fracture probability. Statistically, for every standard deviation decrease in a person's T-score, the risk of fracture roughly doubles.
So someone with a -3.1 to score has roughly double the risk of fracturing than someone with a -2.1 T-score.
However you are correct that bone markers are much more sensitive for catching short-term metabolic shifts (like evaluating a drug holiday or transition) before a DEXA scan would pick them up.
Basically a doctor trained in treating OP would never just use the markers to diagnose, or prescribe drugs, without knowing the T-score.
You are very wise to remain vigilant about the status of your bone health and take medication as your markers and T-score changes. Most osteoporotic fractures are preventable with medication. Good luck on your bone journey.