Connect
← Return to How bad is a spine T-score of -4 ?
Discussion
How bad is a spine T-score of -4 ?
Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Sep 6, 2023 | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
so sorry that you are dealing with this at a young age. It is a scary diagnosis but the good news is you've discovered it early and can now take all steps necessary to improve. Have all causes been explored? Have you been tested for celiac? A truly accurate diagnosis can only be determined by biopsy but gluten antibodies can be tested. Your osteoporosis may be specific only to early menopause though and that would surely be reason enough.
May I ask why you cannot go on HRT? There may be specific risks in your case that preclude using hormones but I ask this because most conventional doctors will not prescribe hormones due to fear of risk factors that were misinterpreted in the flawed Women's Health Initiative study from 30 years ago. If it is something you want to explore further to get an accurate picture of actual risks, I would highly recommend seeking out a knowledgeable specialist in menopause and hormone therapy (as most gynecologists and endocrinologists are not knowledgeable in this area). One can be found through the North American Menopause Society. You can also start by listening to Dr Felice Gersh, Dr Mary Claire Haver and Dr Avrum Bluming (book-Estrogen Matters) to get a more accurate assessment of benefits vs. risks. This may not be applicable in your case but worth a really thorough exploration as hormone replacement therapy would help build and maintain bone (along with a focused diet and appropriate exercise)
Replies to "so sorry that you are dealing with this at a young age. It is a scary..."
I had a total hysterectomy when I was 40, and started on HRT estrogen patch for 50 yrs. Then had knee replacement surgery a few yrs ago and was told to go off it due to clots. This past summer @ Mayo in Rochester was found to have severe osteoporosis in the spine. Doctor wanted me begin on Evenity. After much research, I decided to delay the Evenity. I Googled HRT for osteoporosis and found in the United Kingdom and other places in Europe it was part of their treatment. The spoke of menopausal doctors and their treatment plans. I tried here in Mpls and found a doctor who was not in favor of this treatment. She finally consented and for Medicare purposes listed sleepless ness to be coded. Since I am over 60, it is not recommended. I have the lowest dose and change patch weekly. I know that it will not rebuild bone, but hopefully will maintain it. I am now enrolled in a balance class, will have OT and PT for resistance trying and stretching. I am to walk 30 mn per day. Many of my friends in their 70’s continue to stay on HRT with no side effects. Because of the flawed nurse study, doctors won’t recommend it for fear of being sued. I am angry that no additional studies have confirmed or denied this study.
So I will continue on HRT and hopefully others on this chat room will seek out answers for this hidden and common disease. Thanks for listening. How can we change attitudes of HRT in this country? Much more research must be done!!
Connect
@teb
Thank you for replying!
I have done all the necessary tests for secondary causes. And everything came back clear. Therefore it was concluded that the reason for the bone loss is my early menopause.
I can't go on HRT because I'm considered to have a high risk for breast cancer. It just terrifies me and I don't want to take any chance...