Improve bone density and strength without medication?

Posted by plav @plav, Dec 20, 2023

Any luck improving bone density and strength without medication? It seems the medications only mildly help ... and they only help some patients; some studies show the slight improvement in density does not mean quality bone was built. I'm not comfortable with moving forward with the treatments just because "that's what we give patients with osteoporosis". There seems to be no room for education or discussion, or research into actual results or other options.

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

@lynn59

Hi Teb, thanks for the comments on the dosing and potential risks. I heard exactly the same thing but no one has been able to quantify the increased risks for heart/blood clot problems in woman in their 60s with over a decade past menopause. Does it go from 10 per 10,000 to 30 per 10,000 for example? Have you heard any numbers? I think my pharmacist is going to try to find out more. The doctor who prescribed couldn’t answer that … she just told me what you told me. I have a history of heart disease in my family, but as far as I know I don’t have any issues other than a benign irregular heartbeat. I may have plague in my arteries (hereditary and many many years ago a smoker), but I don’t know for sure as I am very fit at present and pass all the stress tests. I’ll look up Avrum Bluming and see what I can find out from that source!

Thanks again for all your help. Plodding away slowly at a solution.

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Have an echo and a cardiac calcium scoring ct. you’ll know how your heart is functioning, structure, and any possible plaque.

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@susanjane77

I have never heard about the bone coach program nor the yoga for osteoporosis by Fishman. Could you please tell me where I could get more information about both. Thanks!

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Hi @susanjane77, just Google "!2 Poses vs Osteoporosis" Dr. Lauren Fishman and you'll find his video with a discussion of his study plus other adaptations.
My doctor also suggested I get a mini trampoline (rebounder) to improve bone density in my hips. I've added rebounding to Dr. Fishman's yoga routines. I sent away to his office for a DVD of the second series of 12 poses.
If you want to take a look at rebounding, Earth and Owl has many good videos. You can also Google Earth and Owl rebounding videos to see if rebounding interests you..

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@lynn59

Hi Teb, thanks for the comments on the dosing and potential risks. I heard exactly the same thing but no one has been able to quantify the increased risks for heart/blood clot problems in woman in their 60s with over a decade past menopause. Does it go from 10 per 10,000 to 30 per 10,000 for example? Have you heard any numbers? I think my pharmacist is going to try to find out more. The doctor who prescribed couldn’t answer that … she just told me what you told me. I have a history of heart disease in my family, but as far as I know I don’t have any issues other than a benign irregular heartbeat. I may have plague in my arteries (hereditary and many many years ago a smoker), but I don’t know for sure as I am very fit at present and pass all the stress tests. I’ll look up Avrum Bluming and see what I can find out from that source!

Thanks again for all your help. Plodding away slowly at a solution.

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I don't know the percentages but perhaps there is more precise info in Dr Bluming's book. I had a calcium score done which came out to be zero which alleviated my concerns about CVD risk. You might consider it although it is a CAT scan and so there's radiation. I felt that for me, it was important information to have.

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@teb

I don't know the percentages but perhaps there is more precise info in Dr Bluming's book. I had a calcium score done which came out to be zero which alleviated my concerns about CVD risk. You might consider it although it is a CAT scan and so there's radiation. I felt that for me, it was important information to have.

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Yes I have one scheduled for September 2024! Seemed too long to wait so I wanted to start earlier but perhaps I should wait given the risk is biggest in the first year. I’m not sure I can get one earlier. Our Canadian system is overtaxed right now. Long waiting lists unless it’s urgent.

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@tsc

Hi @susanjane77, just Google "!2 Poses vs Osteoporosis" Dr. Lauren Fishman and you'll find his video with a discussion of his study plus other adaptations.
My doctor also suggested I get a mini trampoline (rebounder) to improve bone density in my hips. I've added rebounding to Dr. Fishman's yoga routines. I sent away to his office for a DVD of the second series of 12 poses.
If you want to take a look at rebounding, Earth and Owl has many good videos. You can also Google Earth and Owl rebounding videos to see if rebounding interests you..

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Thank you so much for the info. Appreciate it!!

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l
It is simplistic to equate the two drugs. Tymlos is a chemical creation, a lab-made, synthetic analog. Forteo recombinant RNA cultivated in E coli. I recognize the importance of being careful not to influence anyone with the comfort of two clicks.
Plus:
If absorption with Tymlos is only .45 and absorption with Forteo .95 you'd need closer to 3 clicks Tymlos to have equal doses between the two.
You can't assume that if you only took 36% of the Tymlos, you would absorb the total 36% Or can you make that assumption. We do make those assumptions with calcium (not more than 500mg), and protein (not more than 25 grams).
What did the ER labs tell you? Were your calcium levels high, your EKG irregular. Fascinating that the side effects were new (different? or anew?) with each bump. Were your Forteo effects completely different than the Tymlos effects? Or more intense?

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I struggle with the complexity of supplements for osteoporosis. I’m 71 and still working full time.
I want to take supplements and I’m willing to take them on the correct schedule. After struggling with this for awhile, I decided to just take the supplements that Dr McCormick sells on his website.
Not too expensive.
I also receive my 8th injections of Evenity in a few weeks.
I am anxious to see if I have had any improvement. Will definitely report that here.
If I do have improvement, I will credit the Evenity, not the supplements. Maybe the supplements could help maintain gains?

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i have osteoporosis and am about to go through chemo radiation for anal cancer.
i am very worried about a broken hip following radiation around my hip bones and am concerned that i will cure the cancer only to be confined to a nursing home due to broken bones.
i am reconsidering the type of radiation (proton vs photon).
has anyone had experience it this?

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@lynn59

Yes I have one scheduled for September 2024! Seemed too long to wait so I wanted to start earlier but perhaps I should wait given the risk is biggest in the first year. I’m not sure I can get one earlier. Our Canadian system is overtaxed right now. Long waiting lists unless it’s urgent.

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so sorry you have to wait so long. That's really stressful. Maybe best to wait on the hormones until you have more information or you've found a provider who specializes. In the meantime, do all you can through exercise, a whole foods diet and supplementing any shortfalls to give yourself the best shot at maintaining. Wishing you all the best!

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@samclembeau

i have osteoporosis and am about to go through chemo radiation for anal cancer.
i am very worried about a broken hip following radiation around my hip bones and am concerned that i will cure the cancer only to be confined to a nursing home due to broken bones.
i am reconsidering the type of radiation (proton vs photon).
has anyone had experience it this?

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samclembeau,
I chose proton in your situation though my cancer was rectal not anal. You'll have radiation exposure to the bone and maybe some bone marrow edema. The primary concern is the nerves of the spine and in this regard it is fortunate that your cancer is low.
Your bones will take an entry level hit from proton but no exit exposure. I had some bone marrow edema which causes a weakening of the bone. I'm not at all worried about fracture of the hip. I had two ports of entry through the hip on each side. And two through the back. I could tell you the radiation exposures in GYs if it has meaning.
You'll have less readiation if you take chemotherapy which has it's own hazards for bone.
Luckily there are strong osteoporosis medications. Bisphosphonates won't be sufficient after in my unschooled opinion. Tymlos is probably the best, but consult with your doctors to know if you should be on them before radiation therapy. I chose to wait.
I should be in a good position to respond if there is anything else you'd like to know.

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