How much weight lifting is required to build bone?
After a full year of weekly Osteostrong sessions, my T scores remained the same: spine -1.7, right hip -1.5, and left hip -1.3. While I’m glad that the scores were no worse, I decided that it wasn’t worth the expense. My physician told me that I can increase my bone density with weightlifting even at the age of 73. I am 5’7” and weigh 122 lbs.
So, I’ve joined a nice fitness center at a fraction of the cost and signed up for a personal trainer for 6 months.
At our first session, I told the trainer that I want to build bone, and I’m training twice a week. We started with low weights and he has me increase the weights each time. He told me that I am likely to see an increase in weight due to the building of muscles. I admit that after only 5 sessions, I like the changes I’m seeing but I don’t want to look like a bodybuilder and certainly don’t want to have to buy a new wardrobe.
My question is how does one determine how much weight will build bone? I assume that amount would vary depending on each person’s physique. If so, how does one calculate that?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.
Oh my! How condescending! I hope you can find a doctor who is more compassionate and knowledgeable. I don’t know anything about osteocalcin or BTM but will certainly do some research. Thank you for sharing.
sorry you are being gaslit - denied your feeling and observations. Maybe get a new endo. I love your dedication to helping your body.
I don’t like dismissive doctors. That’s just disrespectful. If I were you, I’d find another doctor. Doctors need to listen to their patients and work together to find solutions.
Osteostrong is an expensive way to lose money and not gain any benefit. I’m in healthcare and worked years in a hospital with world renowned orthopedic physicians so decided to check them out. Go to a local gym and use free weights and resistance training. There are also physical therapists who are specialized in osteoporosis.
Thank you. Unfortunately, that time as come and gone. Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled to be done with periods. The unfortunate part is that I wasn't put on HRT. I went through a bizarrely early menopause (was in my early 30s). I'm almost 55 now. Generally, they say you need to start HRT before age 60 and w/i 10 yrs of your last period. I've recently found a doctor who is willing to prescribe HRT to me even though I don't meet the w/i 10 year criterion. I'm been considering it but I haven't made up my mind.
Fear fracture…. I am 65 soon to be 66 , seeing McCormick this week and will ask the hormone replacement question, cause I too am curious. I just had an endocrinologist appt 2weeks ago. Though she is new to my case I had many questions and things I wanted to hear from her. As the last and my first and only endocrinologist recommended Forteo to me 8 months ago -4 mo post L1 fracture….. she as well thought that Forteo was best. I’ve done a lot of learning since my fx a year ago …. Anyway I popped her the question about HRT , my age, menopause etc and I’m about 10/11 years out…and her response when I brought that up was “you know I might consider doing Forteo along with some HRT. “Just thought I’d pass that on as information for you and others. Good luck on your path!!!
Sounds like you have a pretty progressive endocrinologist. That's kind of the path that I took though I didn't do it simulatanously. I went on Forteo to build back my spine density and then went on HRT. I was 63 when I went on HRT, about 10 years out of menopause. I wonder though if you do Forteo and HRT simultaneously if there is still the risk of loss once you go off Forteo?? I really think these are unanswered questions as these are newer protocols not common practice. I'd really appreciate it if you would post what you learn from your consultation with McCormick. Hope he provides some good information and insight!
Thank you, Ans. I look forward to McCormick’s response to starting HRT if one is more that 10 yrs beyond menopause.
About a year ago, I found a study about post menopausal women, who took higher doses of magnesium while doing HRT, improving their trabecular bone. This article talks about that study and provides a lot helpful info that most doctors never mention to patients. https://www.drdebe.com/articles/what-your-doctor-hasnt-told-you-about-osteoporosis
What is the trabecular bone? My osteo is in the spine?
I have many friends in their 70’s and 80’s that had hysterectomy’s in their 40’s and started on HRT immediately. The have had no side effects and have been on HRT for 40 yrs. Many of them not on progesterone, just estrogen low dose patch. Doctors are afraid to prescribe it I believe, due to law suits. The early nurses study was shut down thirty yrs ago due to a few deaths. I’m referring to women over 60 for ERT. It’s also issues for insurance companies to cover for women over 60. Thankfully, we gave this site to discuss and learn about this critical issue.