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Age 61 Prolia recommended long term
Was diagnosed with osteoporosis 2 years ago, osteopenia prior 4 years. My t-scores are:
Total hip -1.5
femoral neck -1.8
spine -2.8
left distal -2.9
Tried nutrition, exercise, weights for 2 years, scores still worsened but slow progression. Endocrinologist wants me to go on Prolia. I have GI issues so oral bisphosphonates are out. I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which has made my cholesterol go up, but not on meds for that yet due to good HDL/trigycerides. I’ve read Prolia can raise cholesterol. My concern is, he is talking 10 years or so for Prolia. This is what is holding me back. I know about the rebound effect so will have a plan for something else after but have read the longer you are on it the more brittle your bones can become. Is there truth to this? Has anyone been on Prolia long term starting in early 60’s? I would prefer a shorter term on Prolia, then take something else to curb the rebound effect then drug holiday. Thank you in advance for any help with this decision, it’s all so overwhelming.
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I may not understand. Have you already taken a bone builder....forteo, tymlos evenity? What are your dexa scores now. How old are the scores you listed here?
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1 Reaction@gravity3
I have not taken any form of osteoporosis medication yet. These scores are from this January 2026. It is my understanding that bone builder meds are for those who have had a fracture or whose scores are -3.0 or worse? Is this dictated by insurance?
I just consulted with an Endocrinologist (actually I’ve consulted with 2. First one was useless) My scores are similar to yours and I’ll be 61 this year. I can’t tolerate biophosonates as I tried Fosomax when I had osteopenia. Then stopped it and tried better diet. It didn’t work. Anyways, this Dr said she wouldn’t do Prolia since I’m still young and once you’re on it it’s for life and talked about the rebound effects. Actually the first Endo I seen didn’t recommended Prolia either. This new Dr suggested Evenity, but she said insurance basically dictates what you can get. They don’t like recommending Evenity, Forteo or Tylmos until after you have a fracture. So ridiculous. I brought up Evista she said I could do that too but results haven’t been as good. She mentioned increase of blood clots, but since I don’t lead a sedentary lifestyle she doesn’t think it’ll be a problem. I have to get blood work and a 24 hour urine test before she decides which way to go. So I liked that she wasn’t suggesting something willy nilly without knowing what might be causing the osteoporosis.
I was just diagnosed in February and it’s been a roller coaster of emotions. I’m not a fan or roller coasters. LOL
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1 ReactionI have never had a fracture and have had forteo and evenity. However, I was on fosomax/alendronate for 5 years before the anabolics.
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2 Reactions@rudysmom
I may get a second opinion. Just don’t want to be on Prolia for the next 10+ years with no endgame. I’ll have to consider and ask about Evista, looks like some evidence to protect against breast cancer post menopause as well which is a plus!
I too will pass on the roller coasters:). Just need to figure this out! Thanks for your input!
@gravity3 I was on Prolia for several years until my doctor switched me to Evenity. I will get my last injection next week. We will then have to have another plan. I had no fractures prior to beginning Prolia.