How much weight lifting is required to build bone?

Posted by cahabagirl @cahabagirl, May 28, 2023

After a full year of weekly Osteostrong sessions, my T scores remained the same: spine -1.7, right hip -1.5, and left hip -1.3. While I’m glad that the scores were no worse, I decided that it wasn’t worth the expense. My physician told me that I can increase my bone density with weightlifting even at the age of 73. I am 5’7” and weigh 122 lbs.
So, I’ve joined a nice fitness center at a fraction of the cost and signed up for a personal trainer for 6 months.

At our first session, I told the trainer that I want to build bone, and I’m training twice a week. We started with low weights and he has me increase the weights each time. He told me that I am likely to see an increase in weight due to the building of muscles. I admit that after only 5 sessions, I like the changes I’m seeing but I don’t want to look like a bodybuilder and certainly don’t want to have to buy a new wardrobe.
My question is how does one determine how much weight will build bone? I assume that amount would vary depending on each person’s physique. If so, how does one calculate that?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

@fearfracture

How well do you understand you BTM (bone turnover marker) test results? I had mine tested in November 2022 and twice I’ve asked my endo questions about the results and he really doesn’t seem to have a clue. My osteocalcin was 8.8 and his only comment (4 different markers were tested) was that my osteocalcin was low. When I left his office I immediately looked up osteocalcin and what I learned was ppl w/ hypothyroidism can have lower osteocalcin levels and that bisphosphonates lower osteocalcin, both of these things really make me question if he has any idea what he is doing—if my osteocalcin is low and that’s bad, why did he want me to have another zoledronic acid infusion? Additionally, when I looked up osteocalcin, I also found that post menopausal women who start exercising can naturally increase their osteocalcin levels. I exercise pretty much every day—I go to the gym 3 days a week and I try to take at least one 20 minute brisk walk every day and I often toss in a few random exercises here an there, for instance push-ups, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, etc. At my next appt w/ my endo I mentioned that if my osteocalcin is too low that either the bloodwork was handled improperly or we need to look for a reason why. He pretty much ignored what I said, told me a was high strung and that I should consider meditating or going to church.

Jump to this post

Oh my! How condescending! I hope you can find a doctor who is more compassionate and knowledgeable. I don’t know anything about osteocalcin or BTM but will certainly do some research. Thank you for sharing.

REPLY
@fearfracture

How well do you understand you BTM (bone turnover marker) test results? I had mine tested in November 2022 and twice I’ve asked my endo questions about the results and he really doesn’t seem to have a clue. My osteocalcin was 8.8 and his only comment (4 different markers were tested) was that my osteocalcin was low. When I left his office I immediately looked up osteocalcin and what I learned was ppl w/ hypothyroidism can have lower osteocalcin levels and that bisphosphonates lower osteocalcin, both of these things really make me question if he has any idea what he is doing—if my osteocalcin is low and that’s bad, why did he want me to have another zoledronic acid infusion? Additionally, when I looked up osteocalcin, I also found that post menopausal women who start exercising can naturally increase their osteocalcin levels. I exercise pretty much every day—I go to the gym 3 days a week and I try to take at least one 20 minute brisk walk every day and I often toss in a few random exercises here an there, for instance push-ups, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, etc. At my next appt w/ my endo I mentioned that if my osteocalcin is too low that either the bloodwork was handled improperly or we need to look for a reason why. He pretty much ignored what I said, told me a was high strung and that I should consider meditating or going to church.

Jump to this post

sorry you are being gaslit - denied your feeling and observations. Maybe get a new endo. I love your dedication to helping your body.

REPLY
@fearfracture

How well do you understand you BTM (bone turnover marker) test results? I had mine tested in November 2022 and twice I’ve asked my endo questions about the results and he really doesn’t seem to have a clue. My osteocalcin was 8.8 and his only comment (4 different markers were tested) was that my osteocalcin was low. When I left his office I immediately looked up osteocalcin and what I learned was ppl w/ hypothyroidism can have lower osteocalcin levels and that bisphosphonates lower osteocalcin, both of these things really make me question if he has any idea what he is doing—if my osteocalcin is low and that’s bad, why did he want me to have another zoledronic acid infusion? Additionally, when I looked up osteocalcin, I also found that post menopausal women who start exercising can naturally increase their osteocalcin levels. I exercise pretty much every day—I go to the gym 3 days a week and I try to take at least one 20 minute brisk walk every day and I often toss in a few random exercises here an there, for instance push-ups, jumping jacks, lunges, squats, etc. At my next appt w/ my endo I mentioned that if my osteocalcin is too low that either the bloodwork was handled improperly or we need to look for a reason why. He pretty much ignored what I said, told me a was high strung and that I should consider meditating or going to church.

Jump to this post

I don’t like dismissive doctors. That’s just disrespectful. If I were you, I’d find another doctor. Doctors need to listen to their patients and work together to find solutions.

REPLY

Osteostrong is an expensive way to lose money and not gain any benefit. I’m in healthcare and worked years in a hospital with world renowned orthopedic physicians so decided to check them out. Go to a local gym and use free weights and resistance training. There are also physical therapists who are specialized in osteoporosis.

REPLY
@ans

Fear fracture… Since you haven’t fractured , in addition to exercise, I hope you are looking at other root causes for having osteoporosis. There are many!! Additionally, if you haven’t gone through menopause yet, investigate measures as you near that time to keep loss of bone to a minimum.

Jump to this post

Thank you. Unfortunately, that time as come and gone. Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled to be done with periods. The unfortunate part is that I wasn't put on HRT. I went through a bizarrely early menopause (was in my early 30s). I'm almost 55 now. Generally, they say you need to start HRT before age 60 and w/i 10 yrs of your last period. I've recently found a doctor who is willing to prescribe HRT to me even though I don't meet the w/i 10 year criterion. I'm been considering it but I haven't made up my mind.

REPLY
@fearfracture

Thank you. Unfortunately, that time as come and gone. Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled to be done with periods. The unfortunate part is that I wasn't put on HRT. I went through a bizarrely early menopause (was in my early 30s). I'm almost 55 now. Generally, they say you need to start HRT before age 60 and w/i 10 yrs of your last period. I've recently found a doctor who is willing to prescribe HRT to me even though I don't meet the w/i 10 year criterion. I'm been considering it but I haven't made up my mind.

Jump to this post

Fear fracture…. I am 65 soon to be 66 , seeing McCormick this week and will ask the hormone replacement question, cause I too am curious. I just had an endocrinologist appt 2weeks ago. Though she is new to my case I had many questions and things I wanted to hear from her. As the last and my first and only endocrinologist recommended Forteo to me 8 months ago -4 mo post L1 fracture….. she as well thought that Forteo was best. I’ve done a lot of learning since my fx a year ago …. Anyway I popped her the question about HRT , my age, menopause etc and I’m about 10/11 years out…and her response when I brought that up was “you know I might consider doing Forteo along with some HRT. “Just thought I’d pass that on as information for you and others. Good luck on your path!!!

REPLY
@ans

Fear fracture…. I am 65 soon to be 66 , seeing McCormick this week and will ask the hormone replacement question, cause I too am curious. I just had an endocrinologist appt 2weeks ago. Though she is new to my case I had many questions and things I wanted to hear from her. As the last and my first and only endocrinologist recommended Forteo to me 8 months ago -4 mo post L1 fracture….. she as well thought that Forteo was best. I’ve done a lot of learning since my fx a year ago …. Anyway I popped her the question about HRT , my age, menopause etc and I’m about 10/11 years out…and her response when I brought that up was “you know I might consider doing Forteo along with some HRT. “Just thought I’d pass that on as information for you and others. Good luck on your path!!!

Jump to this post

Sounds like you have a pretty progressive endocrinologist. That's kind of the path that I took though I didn't do it simulatanously. I went on Forteo to build back my spine density and then went on HRT. I was 63 when I went on HRT, about 10 years out of menopause. I wonder though if you do Forteo and HRT simultaneously if there is still the risk of loss once you go off Forteo?? I really think these are unanswered questions as these are newer protocols not common practice. I'd really appreciate it if you would post what you learn from your consultation with McCormick. Hope he provides some good information and insight!

REPLY
@ans

Fear fracture…. I am 65 soon to be 66 , seeing McCormick this week and will ask the hormone replacement question, cause I too am curious. I just had an endocrinologist appt 2weeks ago. Though she is new to my case I had many questions and things I wanted to hear from her. As the last and my first and only endocrinologist recommended Forteo to me 8 months ago -4 mo post L1 fracture….. she as well thought that Forteo was best. I’ve done a lot of learning since my fx a year ago …. Anyway I popped her the question about HRT , my age, menopause etc and I’m about 10/11 years out…and her response when I brought that up was “you know I might consider doing Forteo along with some HRT. “Just thought I’d pass that on as information for you and others. Good luck on your path!!!

Jump to this post

Thank you, Ans. I look forward to McCormick’s response to starting HRT if one is more that 10 yrs beyond menopause.

About a year ago, I found a study about post menopausal women, who took higher doses of magnesium while doing HRT, improving their trabecular bone. This article talks about that study and provides a lot helpful info that most doctors never mention to patients. https://www.drdebe.com/articles/what-your-doctor-hasnt-told-you-about-osteoporosis

REPLY
@fearfracture

Thank you, Ans. I look forward to McCormick’s response to starting HRT if one is more that 10 yrs beyond menopause.

About a year ago, I found a study about post menopausal women, who took higher doses of magnesium while doing HRT, improving their trabecular bone. This article talks about that study and provides a lot helpful info that most doctors never mention to patients. https://www.drdebe.com/articles/what-your-doctor-hasnt-told-you-about-osteoporosis

Jump to this post

What is the trabecular bone? My osteo is in the spine?

REPLY
@fearfracture

Thank you. Unfortunately, that time as come and gone. Don't get me wrong. I was thrilled to be done with periods. The unfortunate part is that I wasn't put on HRT. I went through a bizarrely early menopause (was in my early 30s). I'm almost 55 now. Generally, they say you need to start HRT before age 60 and w/i 10 yrs of your last period. I've recently found a doctor who is willing to prescribe HRT to me even though I don't meet the w/i 10 year criterion. I'm been considering it but I haven't made up my mind.

Jump to this post

I have many friends in their 70’s and 80’s that had hysterectomy’s in their 40’s and started on HRT immediately. The have had no side effects and have been on HRT for 40 yrs. Many of them not on progesterone, just estrogen low dose patch. Doctors are afraid to prescribe it I believe, due to law suits. The early nurses study was shut down thirty yrs ago due to a few deaths. I’m referring to women over 60 for ERT. It’s also issues for insurance companies to cover for women over 60. Thankfully, we gave this site to discuss and learn about this critical issue.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.