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Interpreting CTX and P1NP Tests
Am I the only one who is frustrated with the mainstream healthcare system not being experienced in offering bone marker tests for those diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia? My doctor kindly ordered these two bone marker tests for me recently; however, she admitted she doesn’t know how to interpret them because they are not “routine” tests. I can’t even find out if a local endocrinologist can interpret them because you first have to become a patient! And, I just learned today she’s booked out until 2026. I’m not waiting THAT long for an interpretation of these two very recent tests! (waiting on the results) My doctor is extremely bright and open-minded and we’re going to figure this out together, which is really cool and exceptional of her — BUT, it’d be nice to know WHO out there in the medical field, is skilled at interpreting these tests. And, I mean for those NOT on medications — for those, like myself, who were given a couple years to naturally bring up my bone density in a more holistic manner, through diet and exercise, and likely supplements and any other means I learn about. I’m early on this osteo journey….which has rather bummed me out, to be honest, but I’m doing everything I can to make a difference. I only learned of this osteoporosis diagnosis two months ago at age 65. I’m wondering if other people have also found it difficult to find a specialist in their LOCAL area, who can interpret these tests, a medical professional who doesn’t JUST order these tests when you’re on medications to see if the medications are doing their job. But a specialist who will go along with you on your holistic journey to better your bones, and then in 8 months or more, be willing to order these tests again to see if the changes you’re making to your life are making a difference in your bone health. I look forward to reading any replies. So far, I’ve felt very alone in this journey. I’m glad I found this support group on the Mayo Clinic. I hope to feel less alone soon.
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In Great Bones, McCormick does not like to see a CTX score under 100. I hope people can still get the book....it is a very important publication.
The AI summary on Google does state this info about a greater than 60/mg CTX score and claims it is info from Cleveland Clinic. However, I have not found anything in the CLinic's literature that confirms this.
Can you please provide the cite to the material from Cleveland Clinic that says that a CTX above 60 requires medication? AI might be wrong?????
My understanding of bone biomarkers is that one looks at the trends, and the trends should be from the pre-treatment baseline. Biomarkers do not pretend to have hard and fast numbers.
For the original poster of this thread, there is a lot of info on Mayo Connect comments discussing what marker results mean. Without Great Bones, you will need to wade through all those postings, BUT many if not most comments will provide citations of the source for any information. Good luck.
And yes, there is a shortage of competent medical professionals diagnosing and treating this condition.
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1 ReactionThat AI information is just wrong. There are many sites which list the normal CTX ranges by age and sex. Nothing says that over 60 is a problem. In fact, all of the normal ranges regardless of age or sex are well above 100. Let's remember that AI is in its infancy, and when it collects information, it sometimes makes mistakes .
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1 ReactionI bought mine on eBay. At the time, there were several.
I can only share their scoring which is different from other labs. They had a range that said Normal Range 5.0-65.0 BCE/mM Creatine. My score was 85 considered high, take drugs.
Yes, I stared 2 years ago at 64.
Wait, you're describing a Creatine result. That's not CTX. CTX is "Collagen Type I C-Telopeptide".
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4 ReactionsIt says Cross-Link N-telopeptide Normal Range 5.0-65.0 nMBCE/mM Creatine/my score 85 in 2023. My score in 2025 N/Teo/creat Ratio 25, My N Telopeptide is 265.
That's a different test. CTX is C-telopeptide, not N-telopeptide. They are both used to monitor medication effectiveness, but the ranges are different.
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2 ReactionsI too can’t take any Osteoporosis meds. You say that you are going all natural. Can you tell me everything that you’re doing? And is it working? TYVM
A natural approach means nutrition plus exercise. Nutrition, as in vitamins and minerals: calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin K2. Exercise, as in appropriate weight-bearing exercise; plenty of sources online.
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