Has anyone lowered their CTX score naturally?

@mcallister1002

Strontium density and dexa readings:
Yes, strontium is denser than calcium and skews the dexa because of how the radiation in the dexa reacts to the denser material. But REMS and TBS are not affected in this way and they show good results with good bone quality for strontium users. Plus, the bone biopsies done also show good bone quality and density.

Kidney Stones:

Well, algae Cal has many products, some of which have calcium. So not sure what the kidney stone connection might be in their self reports.
Interestingly, the research is mixed ...while some evidence links strontium to kidney stone composition, other research suggests that higher urinary strontium might be associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) rather than causing stone issues directly.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10534960/.
Like calcium, the link between strontium and kidney health is more closely tied to general kidney function than to the specific formation of stones. Most meds and supplements need to be evaluated before use with lower kidney health. I do not think that strontium differs in this way.

Interestingly, in some recent research:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Association: A large-scale cross-sectional study of the U.S. population found a negative correlation between urinary strontium and CKD, meaning those with higher urinary strontium actually had a lower risk of CKD.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1251232/full

@oopsiedaisy It wasn't until I went to an Endocrinologist that bone markers were run. I have only been to one and then moved shortly after that to another state. I have an appt. next month to meet with a new Endocrinologist. I have never fractured but I know he will want me to go on the bone drugs, as my last one did. If I have to go on one, it will be Evenity. Glad you are handling it well.

@kathleen1314 Thank you for the info on strontium. I did not know that REMS and TBS are not affected the same way as the DEXA nor did I know those tests show good bone quality in strontium users. The women on Algae Cal were speaking about the Strontium Boost specifically. But Algae Cal did not think the stones were the result of their product.

Are you taking strontium?

@mcallister1002
Yes, I have taken strontium for many years. I am now in normal bone density territory and normal bone quality. No side effects, no fractures.
I began strontium because the osteoporosis drug which I was taking at that time had side effects with which I did not feel that I could live plus no good results on that medication. I did my research and began strontium citrate; I was already on BHRT and all the "usual suspects" of bone health.

For the first time I experienced a good result on my dexa results and have continued to have those result increase and improve every time they are checked.

A friend of mine who is on Inspire PhoneyBoney was fracturing when she began strontium citrate; she stopped fracturing and has been on strontium for years. PhoneyBoney says that we won the bone lottery; I believe that she is correct.

My Ctx was 80 and the doctor wanted to put me on Reclast. Is 80 bad? It is so confusing to read these bone marker test. However, I went the natural route and my recent Rems test showed -2.9 to -2.4 in my spine.

@dvargo
Given the discrepancy between a low-turnover CTX (80) and an osteoporosis-level T-score (-2.9), you may want to ask your doctor for a P1NP test, which measures bone formation, to see if your body is building bone at the same slow rate it is breaking it down.

This low turnover is more normally seen with the use of a bisphosphonate.

Very low CTX levels can sometimes indicate "adynamic" bone, where bone remodeling has slowed significantly. While often seen with certain medications like bisphosphonates, if it occurs naturally, it could suggest that your bones are not actively renewing themselves.

What was your bone quality reading on REMS?

@kathleen1314 My low ctx of 80 was considered high by the cleveland clinic and they wanted to put me on Reclast. My P1np was normal, so I declined any drug. My rems test was -2.4 with a normal 37 bone quality which put me at a risk of 1% fracture. What prompted my question was some people on this board had CTX of 800 and up. Again, in the past year my spine went from -2.9 to -2.4 by the Rems test.

@dvargo
what I am finding is that from your numbers this is likely not caused by "rapid" bone loss (high turnover) but rather a state where the bone remodeling process has slowed down, but the bone density remains low. This can occur due to aging, certain medications (like long-term steroids), or secondary metabolic bone diseases.

The mentioned diagnosis which I saw several times was : Low-Turnover Osteoporosis: This is a specific subtype where bone is not being lost rapidly, but it isn't being built effectively enough to overcome the existing density deficit.

Because this can be caused by other conditions it is necessary to see a good endocrinologist, ck calcium and vit d, and rule out issues like hyperparathyroidism or other hormonal imbalances.

After ruling out diseases or conditions that might cause this:
Some doctors might consider anabolic (bone-building) agents to stimulate new bone formation.
Sorry, I can't remember, did you say you took or could not take BHRT topical/vaginal? I ask because BHRT would probably nudge you towards the build cycle more, as would strontium citrate.

@kathleen1314 Yes, I am on BHRT for 3 years. I think that is why I went from Osteoporosis to Osteopenia in one year. I went to the endo years ago and all diseases were ruled out. I am thrilled with my recent Rems density score and my bone quality is very good. I was just curious as to why the CC would want to put me on Reclast when a CTX score of 80 is not that bad. These bone marker tests can be confusing.

@dvargo
Please clarify for me the unit of measurement next to the score of CTX 80. (e.g., pg/mL or ng/mL)
Thank you