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Is Osteoporosis reversible in post menopausal women?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Jul 12, 2023 | Replies (92)Comment receiving replies
Leeosteo, believe me, I know how overwhelming it can be and you are not alone. There are millions of women trying to get help with their bone loss and, unfortunately, doctors really just don't have their acts together when it comes to treating osteoporosis. Recently, I was talking to a friend, who used to be a nurse, about my bones and what my doctor did and did not do and she said something that really just says it all, "As long as your doctor is following guidelines, he can't be held responsible."
I honestly think if someone's BMD falls into the osteoporosis range, all a doctor is really required to do is prescribe osteo-meds and I think that is all most of them are doing.
In my quest to figure out what exactly is going on with my bones and what is the best course of action and if there are any natural remedies I should incorporate, one thing I have learned is that a very small percentage of the people (women) diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis are doing anything other than believing whatever their doctors are telling them.
Note, if you live in the US and are being treated for/have osteoporosis, your insurance will cover annual DEXA scans so ask about this and start getting annual DEXAs.
Regarding your doctor’s flippant reply, "No test is going to change the final outcome. meds are needed now" whoa!
Are you fracturing or have you had any fragility fractures? If you aren’t fracturing, there is no life-or-death situation. It's far more important to make sure the correct issue is being addressed than to just slap you on a medication, especially something that might not be correct for you.
If you are interested, https://www.medimapsgroup.com/find-centers-with-tbs-osteo/ complete the form to find where you can get a DEXA w/ TBS (trabecular bone score). Trabecular bone is a better indication of bone quality.
Since I am still trying to get help with my BTM scores, I can't really offer any help. I've asked a 2nd doctor who simple said she wasn't familiar with the tests so she could help me. Next I plan to ask my OB/GYN.
You said you didn't do HRT. Do a little research. I am considering it over 20 years after menopause. Note, your endocrinologist will never tell you HRT is an option. https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/osteoporosis/treatment/hormone-replacement-therapy/
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Fearfracture. Once again thank you for the additional info and your insight. My DXA results are pretty extensive and I believe they include TBS. I don't see a "TBS Score", however, they include xrays of individual vertebrates, hip, femoral neck, forearm with BMD and other info in great detail. None of it is good. I have not fractured yet but feel I may be close to fracturing if not careful. Everything I've read about HRT indicates it may be an option for postmenopausal women in 40-50's, but the risks are much greater for older post menopausal women. Between my previous PCP and current PCP we've assessed the usual secondary causes and my tests have been normal. I do think my diet and exercise is significantly lacking and has been for 15 or more years. I eat whole foods in general, however, I a very picky eater. I've been keeping a food log and was shocked that I was not getting the necessary nutrients for bone building. It's not just calcium and D. It's actually 20 essential vitamins and minerals. And you really need to ensure your eating the right combination of foods to allow your body to absorb and process the nutrients. You can't go overboard on any one nutrient because your body won't absorb them and you end up with bone loss. As example, a diet high in phytates (beans, nuts, seeds) leads to bone loss. Spinach is oxalic acid that doesn't allow calcium to be absorbed. Apple cider on dark green leafy veggies allows the nutrients to be easily absorbed. I could go on and on. My point is a balanced diet is key and with the right mix of nutrients (at each meal) that allow your body to take them in and support bone building. I think a nutritionist is key to my overcoming this challenge. Most probably with osteo meds for a while. I just want my doctor to work with me e.g., bone markers prior to meds, so we can monitor this is one more data point (other than just DXA) to we jointly can make the same call whether this is working or not. I'd be interested to hear how you make out with HRT. Like everyone else, I'm doing a lot of research trying to figure out why this is happening to me.