The DEXA scan arrived and then Fosamax. At the time any woman who was not "normal" was told to take Fosamax. I was one of these patients. Merck marketed heavily and created a disease for its drug. The guidelines were pulled of air at a conference in Italy, and as far as I know have not changed. You can read about this online.

Normal was the bone density of a 30-year-old woman, which most people in their 50s and older would never match. The term osteopenia was introduced as a measurement, not a disease. It is normal to lose some bone density. It becomes abnormal when it is drastic and could lead to fractures. This should be about fracture risk and how much bone loss is normal. The British use FRAX, which is a realistic assessment of that risk.

I have not taken anything since the expensive and painful periodontal adventure. Still, if you take the test and it is abnormal, then the doctor tries to prescribe Fosamax. There are other options but the best thing is to take calcium, vitamin D and do weight-bearing exercise. I would consult with an endocrinologist as they are familiar with metabolic bone disease.