How much weight lifting is required to build bone?

Posted by cahabagirl @cahabagirl, May 28, 2023

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.

@fearfracture

🙂 I’m 54 so technically I’m not a “senior” yet but I get your point.

I just found this https://www.themenopausecharity.org/2022/04/19/starting-or-continuing-hrt-many-years-after-your-menopause/ which states “ There is very little evidence regarding starting HRT for older women because this research has not been undertaken. However, most women who are otherwise fit and well do still gain benefits from taking HRT even if it has been more than 10 years since their menopause.”

And this, “ If you want to start HRT again, see another doctor if you have to, and explain your reasons for wanting to start taking it again. The NICE guidelines are clear (https://www.nice.org.uk / guidance/ng23) that women can continue to take HRT as long as the benefits outweigh the risks, and for most healthy women, this is for ever.”

Jump to this post

That sounds good to me. I’ll ask my physician.

REPLY
@teb

@fearfracture, I started HRT at about 10-11 years out of menopause. I was about 63 at the time and had just finished my 2 year course of Forteo. I weighed all of my options for a follow up treatment, deciding that HRT offered the best opportunity for a more natural bone remodeling process. I decided to take whatever risks (and benefits!) were associated with it vs. the risk of more osteoporosis drugs (for now anyway). It is difficult to assess long-term safety since there are no studies to support that, just observational. In the 4ish years I've been on HRT, I've pretty much maintained my density. I'm a really "fast loser" so maintaining is pretty terrific for me. As you've mentioned, bioidentical is essential and an estradiol patch at the lowest dose of .025 is supposed to effective for protecting bone. Because it is a very low dose, I would think there is also a little less risk involved. If you have a uterus, you must take progesterone and make sure that it is bioidentical as well in the form of micronized progesterone, not synthetic progestin which is what most conventional doctors will prescribe as that is what you will get from the pharmacy and through insurance coverage. I'm not sure if micronized progesterone is even available through conventional pharmacies as I have to get it from a mail order compounding pharmacy. It is pure with no fillers (unlike the pharmaceutical which has peanut oil in it. why??) and the cost is pretty reasonable at about $35 a month.

I have an upcoming appt with Dr Felice Gersh to get a perspective from her on my protocol. I plan to discuss whether I should have some testing done at this point, like a uterine ultrasound, to make sure all is well. Also will discuss whether I should continue taking progesterone daily or begin cycling that which from what I understand is a safer regimen (though you have to contend with some monthly bleeding). I will also get her perspective on long term use. She's an integrative gynocologist/MD and has been at this a really long time. She's very well versed on the research and has her own observational experience over decades in practice prescribing HRT. I'll report back on what I learn from her.

Jump to this post

Looking forward to your report. Very informative. River Park

REPLY
@teb

@fearfracture, I started HRT at about 10-11 years out of menopause. I was about 63 at the time and had just finished my 2 year course of Forteo. I weighed all of my options for a follow up treatment, deciding that HRT offered the best opportunity for a more natural bone remodeling process. I decided to take whatever risks (and benefits!) were associated with it vs. the risk of more osteoporosis drugs (for now anyway). It is difficult to assess long-term safety since there are no studies to support that, just observational. In the 4ish years I've been on HRT, I've pretty much maintained my density. I'm a really "fast loser" so maintaining is pretty terrific for me. As you've mentioned, bioidentical is essential and an estradiol patch at the lowest dose of .025 is supposed to effective for protecting bone. Because it is a very low dose, I would think there is also a little less risk involved. If you have a uterus, you must take progesterone and make sure that it is bioidentical as well in the form of micronized progesterone, not synthetic progestin which is what most conventional doctors will prescribe as that is what you will get from the pharmacy and through insurance coverage. I'm not sure if micronized progesterone is even available through conventional pharmacies as I have to get it from a mail order compounding pharmacy. It is pure with no fillers (unlike the pharmaceutical which has peanut oil in it. why??) and the cost is pretty reasonable at about $35 a month.

I have an upcoming appt with Dr Felice Gersh to get a perspective from her on my protocol. I plan to discuss whether I should have some testing done at this point, like a uterine ultrasound, to make sure all is well. Also will discuss whether I should continue taking progesterone daily or begin cycling that which from what I understand is a safer regimen (though you have to contend with some monthly bleeding). I will also get her perspective on long term use. She's an integrative gynocologist/MD and has been at this a really long time. She's very well versed on the research and has her own observational experience over decades in practice prescribing HRT. I'll report back on what I learn from her.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for sharing. I am a DES daughter and had a hysterectomy ( removal of uterus and cervix) at the age of 21. I am now 73 and want to avoid osteoporosis. I am in the osteopenia stage. I will ask my physician about this as well.

REPLY
@fearfracture

From what I’ve read, there are doctors who think it’s safe to stay on HRT for life. The problem w/ HRT was w/ synthetic hormones, now bioidentical HRT is available and considered safe. https://mitchellmed.com/synthetic-vs-bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy/

If I were going through menopause today, I would start bioidentical HRT immediately. My problem is that I’ve been post-menopausal for over 2 decades and I don’t want to start something that will cause another health problem. At the moment, I’m leaning towards trying a very low dose HRT but I haven’t decided yet. If anyone reading this started HRT more than 10 yrs after menopause, I would love to hear about your experience.

Jump to this post

I am 73 yr and started bio identical hormones compounded specifically for me for 15 yrs. Even though my doctors wanted me off I stayed on because I had no hot flashes, no vagina dryness and my skin looked great. When I was 67 yrs I was dx with stage 1 breast cancer…estrogen dependent. My oncologist believes strongly that it was the HRT.
There isn’t breast cancer in my family, I don’t smoke and not overweight.
Perhaps if one gets off after 5 yrs, they would have the benefit but maybe not the scare.

REPLY
@foxy23

I am 73 yr and started bio identical hormones compounded specifically for me for 15 yrs. Even though my doctors wanted me off I stayed on because I had no hot flashes, no vagina dryness and my skin looked great. When I was 67 yrs I was dx with stage 1 breast cancer…estrogen dependent. My oncologist believes strongly that it was the HRT.
There isn’t breast cancer in my family, I don’t smoke and not overweight.
Perhaps if one gets off after 5 yrs, they would have the benefit but maybe not the scare.

Jump to this post

I do have that same concern, especially since my mother had breast cancer. Thank goodness hers was caught early ( and that was in the late 1950’s). She had a mastectomy with no further treatment and did not have a reoccurrence.

REPLY
@ans

If WBV means weight bearing vibration - which to me is what I refer to as LIV Low Intensity Vibration….. I would really do your research on what you might consider purchasing as there are specific parameters that are needed to be effective and NOT harmful to you. I have not been on Amazon to look at the offerings , but please take the time to check out the Marodyne LIV. Expensive, but researched, and in the spring of this year determined to be effective. Check out Margaret Martin PT and Clint Rubin , developer of the Marodyne. Google them and can find them on YouTube . Good luck!!

Jump to this post

Thanks. Really like Margaret Martin. She always provides with latest information and exercises. I have watched her interview with Dr. Rubin and the one with his sister too. When asked her about Merodyne, she praises her brother but avoids talking much about the machine.
While going through the rabbit hole, I received a link from a friend of mine when talking about the Merodyne. I think it is an interesting read.
https://www.vibrationcare.com/marodyne-alternative.html

REPLY
@vinny101

Thanks. Really like Margaret Martin. She always provides with latest information and exercises. I have watched her interview with Dr. Rubin and the one with his sister too. When asked her about Merodyne, she praises her brother but avoids talking much about the machine.
While going through the rabbit hole, I received a link from a friend of mine when talking about the Merodyne. I think it is an interesting read.
https://www.vibrationcare.com/marodyne-alternative.html

Jump to this post

Yes, I agree , Janet (if that’s her name, I think it is) Rubin,
The highly regarded metabolic endocrinologist, didn’t say much to really promote her brother’s Marodyne Platform. I did think about that, and in the end resolved it in my brain as she’s probably a very busy Type A personality that only has so much time. I know getting in the treadmill and doing seemingly higher level energy expenditure exercises feel good when you’re stressed and want to really feel like you’ve worked out. So for the time allotted she focuses on that, rather than just standing on a platform for 10 minutes where just a minimal vibration is felt. This is all just my take. Decide for yourself. I did ultimately decide to get a Marodyn and enjoy using it. I can watch the news, read, or take a meditative break from my day on it. Do what makes sense to you!!!

REPLY
@ans

Yes, I agree , Janet (if that’s her name, I think it is) Rubin,
The highly regarded metabolic endocrinologist, didn’t say much to really promote her brother’s Marodyne Platform. I did think about that, and in the end resolved it in my brain as she’s probably a very busy Type A personality that only has so much time. I know getting in the treadmill and doing seemingly higher level energy expenditure exercises feel good when you’re stressed and want to really feel like you’ve worked out. So for the time allotted she focuses on that, rather than just standing on a platform for 10 minutes where just a minimal vibration is felt. This is all just my take. Decide for yourself. I did ultimately decide to get a Marodyn and enjoy using it. I can watch the news, read, or take a meditative break from my day on it. Do what makes sense to you!!!

Jump to this post

Also, by the way, I did quickly read through the article in the link you provided and felt a few things didn’t add up for me.

REPLY
@ans

Also, by the way, I did quickly read through the article in the link you provided and felt a few things didn’t add up for me.

Jump to this post

What "didn't add up" I was impressed and am leaning to get the VT007. Has anyone out there actually used a VT007??

REPLY
@tonybee

What "didn't add up" I was impressed and am leaning to get the VT007. Has anyone out there actually used a VT007??

Jump to this post

I started looking into it because I vaguely remember one of the member had mentioned about it as Merodyne being expensive and not everyone can afford. I look at anything from science/physics point of view. Also, I have not seen any US based reviews on Merodyne. They have few older ones from women based in UK on You tube also, not seen any on their website either. If it is so good as couple of the YouTubers say, I would like to know the data and how many women in US have used it and their experience using it. If developed with Nasa for astronauts, do they use it? Why is NASA is not promoting it for the welfare of the general public? To me, proof of the pudding is in eating no matter what it costs. It is for the benefit of my own health.
I am still looking for the right one, where people who have used it and some kind of experience. Meanwhile, if you come across anything please keep us updated. Thanks.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.