Young woman diagnosed with osteoporosis

Depending on your scores you might try to get approval to do a bone builder like Tymlos, Forteo or Evenity first and then a bisphosphonate. Check out the video on sequencing and combinations given by Ben Leder MD from MGH. Or get a copy of Keith McCormick's new book "Great Bones." Hope you can talk to your doc and that they are a good endocrinologist.

Have your periods stopped because you are underweight or exercise a lot, or have you gone through true menopause? How was it diagnosed?

@windyshores

I have always been underweight and I don't actually do any strenuous exercise, just going for walks. But I live a very active lifestyle (active job etc.) So I get in enough daily steps, but no strenght training at the moment.
I don't know if the fact that I'm underweight contributed to the early menopause because I have always been that way. I have been diagnosed with a hormone panel.

If you are underweight your hormonal panel may show levels that mimic menopause but will periods return if you gain weight? Or with hormonal treatments? I was underweight for awhile and my periods stopped.

Honestly, I have no idea, because I have never actually been at a ''normal weight'' at least when I look at the BMI chart. It seems as if being underweight is the ''normal range'' for my body. But then, I wonder why I have all these problems (early menopause and bone loss) at such a young age... I feel like something must be off...

I think you’re right that something is off. Has your doctor put you on hormone replacement or added any hormones for you to take? Sounds like your hormones are completely out of balance.
I’m 72 but two years ago my doctor checked my hormone levels and put me on progesterone due to some of my symptoms, one being difficultly sleeping, and it helped tremendously.
Continue to seek answers and Continue to listen to your inner voice. Wishing you the best to find what will help you.

Hi @gigi4

My doctor didn't suggest taking hormone replacement therapy. When I did my first dexa scan, the osteoporosis has already progressed (i.e. I didn't discover osteopenia first). So, my guess is that it is maybe too late for the hormones. I might be wrong though. My doctor told me that bisphosphonates are my safest bet right now. My T-scores are really low.

I suggest an endocrinologist. Bisphosphonates render the more potent bone building drugs less effective. Tymlos, Forteo and Evenity would be better ways to address really low scores. Insurance may be an issue unless you "fail" another drug, but these companies have patient assistance programs. I got my Tymlos for free.

Hormone replacement might help in your situation but won't be enough to reverse the loss.

Has your parathyroid been checked?

Hi @windyshores, I have consulted an endocrinologist as well, they recommended that I take the bisphosphonate.
I know there are bone building drugs available as well, however, I'm not sure why they didn't prescribed them if they are a better option for my particular situation... I will ask them 🙂

The parathyroid is completely fine.
Thyroid as well.

I have osteoporosis and osteopenia, have had for several years. We still need our hormones to be balanced. Biophosphates come with side effects (check those out out and weigh the pros and cons as you’re much younger than I am) and it’s a decision I decided against and along with calcium and other bone building supplements plus weight bearing exercises is what I’ve chosen to do. I improved my scores a few years ago and hope they continue along that path.
Take care .

@sophie93 the sequencing of drugs for bones is a big issue. Ben Leder MD has a great video online about sequencing and combinations (he is at MGH). Insurance wants us to try bisphosphonates or Prolia first so doctors prescribe them first, often, simply because insurance considers them to be first line.

But bisphosphonates should come after the bone builders, not before.

If the issue is insurance, as it usually is, a patient assistance program might help.