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Has anyone improved bone density without meds?
I have a very problematic dental history and will continue to need additional root canals and implants. I also have Sjogren's Syndrome and want to avoid any drugs that cause rheumatic symptoms. Other issues in my health history make all of the meds risky for me. That said, I work out almost daily, lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, take all the recommended supplements, and get most of my calcium nutritionally. My endocrinologist wants me to take an infusion/injectable drug. I dread the side-effects, yet I'm afraid of fracturing, which hasn't happened over the many years I have had osteoporosis. That said, my numbers are getting worse (-3.2 spine, -3.1 hip). I need to do something more than I've been doing, and am at a loss. I need hope and solutions I can be at peace with. Thanks for any comments or suggestions!
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@goseve I have maintained my Forteo gains and possibly even gained density on HRT as my most recent Dexa was -2.5, showing an increase from the last 7ish years of a steady -2.9. My Dexa was done on a new machine and coupled with the fact that I have arthritis (which can imitate increased bone density), I take these numbers with a grain of salt. But I'll take them happily and with a hopeful belief that they are accurate! HRT has definitely helped me maintain my Forteo gains but I also do a whole lot of work. Daily exercise is a half hour of core strengthening plus either a high energy dance class or weights at the gym. In addition, I have a whole foods, gluten free diet and calculate my nutrition on Cronometer to make sure I meet my daily nutrient goals. I no longer take calcium supplements due the potential risk of calcifications of the arteries and meet my needs with food. It's hard and attentive work but worth it, not just for bones but for general health. I wish you all the best!
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1 Reaction@teb Hi Teb. Thank you so much for answering my question. I am so afraid of taking Fosamax bc I have needed dental implants in the past and I might need two more in the future and I cannot have the implants if I have taken Fosamax. So, after your treatment with Forteo, you just took HRT? I am on a .075 transdermal estrogen patch, do you think that will hold my gains when I finish my Forteo. These drs are saying it will not but I don't think they know much about. Oh, one last question. I have read horror stories about the side effects of Forteo. Can I ask you if you had bad side effects from Forteo? I cant thank you enough for all of your help and wish you the best of health!
@goseve Hi Teb. I meant to say that I don't think the drs know too much about HRT.
@goseve I can't really say whether HRT will maintain or increase your bone density. It was my follow up drug of choice after Forteo and it was effective for me but not in isolation as previously mentioned in that I also addressed my osteoporosis with very targeted nutrition and abundant exercise, specifically with weights. It's the combination of all of the above that worked to maintain/gain bone density for me.
Finding a knowledgeable practitioner to manage your HRT is challenging but there are more and more providers getting educated about it as the public demand has increased. It is also challenging to find an endo who is knowledgeable about osteoporosis drug options and sequencing, etc, so you really have to do your own homework. I had to request (demand) Forteo and the same with HRT as my follow up as it was 7 years ago before the boom of HRT re-acceptance. Forteo was great for me as I had no side effects but I did have slight loss in the second year so it's important to monitor your bone markers throughout.
Thank u so much for all the info and for your kind reply. It was truly
appreciated and very informative.