Is Osteoporosis reversible in post menopausal women?

I haven't seen hard data on this but know a woman who swears that she reversed osteoporosis in her 70s and has the clinical results to show that. She also dealt with breast cancer at the same time and did a lot of research and modified her diet and added barley leaves or something and lots of other stuff. So I don't know which variables made the most difference but she's now in her late 80s. More active than when she was in her 70s and has remained cancer-free.

I have a new PCP who ordered a recent DEXA scan which showed that I have osteopenia and am getting close to osteoporosis so he wanted me to begin osteoporosis drugs. I dug out a DEXA scan result* from 10 years earlier, and my recent results are actually better than 10 years ago.

I took both reports back to the PCP and his opinion was that, somehow, I'm doing slightly better, or not losing any further ground, and he's fine with me continuing what I'm doing and not taking any drugs. The reason I mentioned this is that a DEXA scan is a point in time and it's valuable to look at any rate of change as well.

I don't know why my bone density has improved but have a speculation. I bought a bone-support supplement for a friend who needed to heal a broken neck. That is, he needed for all the little pieces held together by his halo to somehow reach each other and bridge and heal. (Which they did to the neurosurgeon's delight as this was a very bad injury with two shattered vertebrae.) I also started taking the same supplement because it was on the kitchen counter. For what it's worth, and I don't think it's any magical supplement just a good blend by reputable manufacturer, it's called Bone Support and has the basic trinity of algae-based calcium, d3, and K2.

*The above is one of my arguments for always keeping a handy copy of every single medical test that you have ever had. That became really important during lockdown when my former physician's offices essentially closed and no files could be received from them. It's also a lot easier to see a new physician, or get a second opinion, when you can provide a copy of your medical record and not wait for another physician's office to forward it as many medical offices are still short-staffed.

@sl303
I have used BHRT progestereone topically on my breasts for years. I had cystic breasts which the progesterone eliminated. Perimenopause is a time which often has very high estradiol levels with a much lowered amount of protecting progesterone probably due to the lack of ovulation and the subsequent loss of progesterone. Bottom line higher estradiol rates can be dangerous for women, especially with their breasts.
I personally use saliva tests to check my progesterone, estradiol and testosterone levels.
I seem to continue to make my own estradiol; so I only use progesterone, testosterone and estriol topically/vaginally. Without the saliva test I am sure that my doctors would have given me estradiol which I believe would have set me up for problems with my breasts.
My sister had a similar situation; she went a different route than I did without the saliva tests and progesterone/BHRT. She eventually had a breast cancer. She had surgery and is taking an estrogen blocker. She is doing as well as one can with her hormones totally blocked and all the problems which that is causing. I do not know if progesterone and BHrT could have changed this story for her. I am encouraging her to consider progesterone in another year when she may no longer take the estrogen blockers.

@sl303 Hello, I had partial lumpectomy for DCIS stage zero and no history or genetic issues for breast cancer. I have been on HRT for over 20+ years but got off it temporarily as doctors did not recommend as they have to go with "Standard of Care" practice. I now take estrogen and testosterone at lowest dose with pellets inserted every 3-4 months. My risks are minor compared to the benefit. I tried Osteoporosis meds years ago and they did not increase bone density. I am 73 years old and exercise 3-4 times a week which involves walking, stretching and some weights. I also take calcium, vit D & K and other vitamins to increase bone density. I also have osteoarthritis and spondylothesis and IBS-C. I use a powdered magnesium glycinate with probiotic and prebiotic fiber in a shake and that helps with the IBS-C. Everyone is individual so what works for me may not for someone else. I do a lot of research as I was a professional in the field of education so I conducted a lot of research studies. Keep seeking out answers and don't give up keep trying things until you find what works for you.

@kathleen1314 this is very interesting and I would not have seen had I not seen question from @tillymack in my email so thanks

I had a lumpectomy then decided against Tamoxifen - was in the 'should be considered' category, rather than forced, still worry about my decision - All my life I'd dealt w too little estrogen and hated to deal with even less. Tho the doc did say the Tamoxifen might have helped with the osteoporosis. I will read your post over a few times I still feel I probably have too much testosterone, which as you know is evil and turns into estrogen so it can give you breast cancer.