Osteoporosis treatments: What did you choose?

It can never hurt to get a 2nd opinion. One advantage to Forteo is that it builds bone quickly. (Most osteo drugs slow down the process of bone breakdown. Forteo acts differently).

After avoiding osteoporosis treatments for 22 years with diet and exercise, time caught up to me. After talking with my Doctor, and doing my own research, I decided to try Forteo. There is another similar drug called Tymlos. The main difference is that Forteo must be kept refrigerated and Tymlos does not. There may be a cost difference as well, depending on your insurance. I started Forteo two months ago, and things are going well. I haven’t had any negative effects, and administering the shot is simple. There is another thread here on Mayo Clinic titled “Forteo vs. Tymlos”, which would provide more information for you. Good luck!

Hello @tdawnandrews. In addition to the welcome you got from a few members, I'd like to share a few other discussions you may want to look through as well:

- Treating osteoporosis, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-im-new-to-the-site-and-am-interested-in-treating-osteoperosis/
- Forteo vs. tymlos, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/forteo-vs-tymlos-1/

Thank you for the information and input. I am leaning towards Forteo as well as looking into a second opinion.

After reading some other threads on vit d levels, I was surprised to hear others levels. 2 years ago, my vit d level was 14. Last year it was up to 20. Just had it rechecked but haven't gotten my results. My Dr didn't check the parathyroid even though I asked about it. Not sure if I should push for that or see an endocrinologist....

My osteoporosis is borderline, so I am going to give it a year and retest, but in the meantime go "full court press" with diet, exercise, supplements. Have heard that a low density dexa scan gives a reading on density, but not bone tensile strength. The potential side effects (consequences) of the meds aren't worth it to me at this time. I did visit an endocrinologist recently who did all sorts of tests to determine possible causes, but all the tests and xrays were normal. When I was younger I had a para-thyroid gland (not the same as thyroid gland) go wayward, which leached much calcium out of my bones undetected, but once it was removed (still have 3-other healthy ones), my calcium levels returned to normal. Now I'm 71 years, so a T-score compares me to a much younger group of women. I'm on a plant-based diet, and supplements now include probiotics, vitamins: C, B, D3, K2 and minerals: Calcium (from food), Magnesium, Zinc, Boron. Oh yeah, and I just ordered a weight vest to wear around the house. I already hike w/ a backpack regularly.

@lovetobackpack Welcome to connect I love you name here . Sounds like you are doing all the right things to prevent osteoporosis l I have osteopenia also and the only other thing I do is some weights for strengthen my back. I'm 77 I don't go backpacking but started a chair exercise where I life. Glad to hear you are on the right track. My girlfriend has osteoporosis and had bad reactions from all the meds like Fosamax etc. so she also swims which is good for you .

I'm starting on forteo this week. Is there anything I should avoid while on it?

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME IF PROLIO IS COMPARABLE TO FORTEO? I HAVE A PROLIO SHOT TWICE A YEAR AND WONDER IF MAYBE FORTEO IS THE BETTER CHOICE? ALLEGRO (JAN)

I am on prolia. Forteo and prolia are two different kinds of medications. My doctor wanted me to take Forteo because it builds bone and builds it rapidly rather than just slowing down the process of bone breakdown. I opted for Prolia which is an injection two times a year. Forteo needs to be injected daily and because I have so much cancer in my family I did not like the black box warning about bone cancer. After one year on Prolia, (as of May 2019) there has been significant improvement in both my spine and hip and my doctor seemed pleased with the results. So, I went ahead with injection #3. I also take 2000i.u. of video daily.
Google both medications to learn more about them.