Osteoporosis bone density test. Did you get yours? How did you do?

Yes. I have cancer quite a bit on my dad's side of the family with one cousin having had breast cancer, although she beat it. Two of his sisters died of pancreatic cancer, which I understand has some connection to female cancers as well, so if I do it, I will start with the lowest possible dose. The T score from the Echolight Scan for my spine was -1.8 and it showed good fragility scores, but it is definitely my biggest area of concern. I have, for better or worse, greater mobility than many people twenty years younger than me according to my massage and assisted stretch therapists, and I feel so much better physically when I do yoga and pilates exercises like roll-ups that lengthen your spine. I have read several things though that say you shouldn't be doing those or bending forward at the waist. Then again, I watched a recent conference on osteoporosis and hip health where they said that they no longer take the stance that you absolutely shouldn't do any specific kind of exercise but rather treat it on an individual basis. It's all overwhelming. What I hope is that by April/May, I will have decided whether to go on low dose HRT or a bisphosphonate. My instincts are telling me it's too soon for bisphosphonates, but this is one reason why I'd like to get another Dexa if I can get my doctor to say it's medically necessary or pay for it myself if it's not too outrageous. Thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it.

I think your instincts are right. If I could do it all over again, I would have gone on HRT at menopause. I experienced a huge drop in bone density at that time and HRT would have prevented it. Much more effective and easier to prevent the loss then try to restore bone, playing catch up. I ended up having to go on Forteo to build back some loss and then decided on HRT afterwards to try and maintain the gain. I was 64 at the time which is on the cusp of greater risk but I still felt it was the best option for me. HRT was vilified by the Woman's Health Initiative which is now known to have been a fairly flawed study.
There was a great article just recently in the NY Times that was thorough and explanatory.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/magazine/menopause-hot-flashes-hormone-therapy.html

What is an Echolight Scan? and what does it tell you?

Here's the link: https://www.echolightmedical.com/en/

Apparently, it was originally in the UK and has now come to the U.S. in limited locations so far. My understanding is that the FDA has approved the use of it. It uses ultrasound instead of X-Rays to tell you more about the quality of your bones in addition to how dense they are.

I am so pleased to find your blog and comments. I just told my doctor that I would do a bone density test this year and want to do more research with some of the things you point out such as BTS and diet. It has been over 20 years since I took my first (and only) bone density test. At that time I looked on the internet for side effects for the medications, and the side effects seemed so bad to me that I chose not to take medication. I saw no reason to take more tests if I wasn't going to take the meds. And, of course, my bones have become thinner in the meantime and I am hoping the medications are now better with side effects. I have also heard that even though the medications can be helpful, the bones are more brittle and subject to shattering from a bad fall.

@bleaves I hope you have a doctor who can explain things because there is a lot of old or incorrect information online.

It is important to note that Tymlos and Forteo do not cause bones to become "brittle." Bisphosphonates and Prolia, and to a lesser extent Evenity, may have this effect but over a long period of time and more often for cancer patients on high doses.

The bones, in my experience, don't "shatter." Spinal fractures involve a collapse of the vertebrae, from mild to severe. The hip can break. With severe osteoporosis- and I know this from personal experience, it doesn't take a fall to have a fracture. And fractures are more likely if you have serious bone loss and don't take meds!

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 5 years ago. -3.2 in my spine, -1.7 in the right hip and -1 in the left hip. I had refused all medication but started AlgaeCal and strontium. After 2 years, Dexa scan showed -2.7 in the spine and improvements in the hips. I have since switched to Life Improvements bone restore W/ d3 and k2. Hoping for continued improvements. Next scan with be in a couple of months.

Thank you for sharing this. I’m 79 and I have scoliosis. I will look for a place to get the algae and stronium supplements. And I will look for more information from you in the future.

@dulu and @juniebuggy strontium at therapeutic doses will distort the DEXA results. Some radiologists can make adjustments.

Strontium is heavier than calcium and replaces it in bones, I was told (and read) so bones look denser on the DEXA. Check this with your doctor of course.

Windyshores, I think you took her comment too literally.