Mk4 vs Mk7 for osteoporosis

@kathleen1314 I am 75 with osteoporosis, severe in my spine (-4.1) with no fractures and have refused any bone drugs (Tymlos and Forteo are not an option for me due to parathyroid issues).

What are your DEXA scores and have you had anything fractures? If I were considering a bisphosphonate, I would start with Fosamax over Reclast due to the serious long-term side effects I've heard about Reclast. At least with Fosamax, you can stop taking it if you have side effects. My Dr said he'd prescribe Fosamax at 1/2 strength to ease my fears, and said studies have shown it's effective at that dose. However, I still refused because I've read studies that show bisphosphonates offer minimal benefits at fracture prevention, and isn't that the point of taking any bone drugs?

Here are a couple studies on the "absolute risk" vs benefit of bisphosphonates: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(24)00101-3/fulltext
From that study: "When the baseline risk is low, use of relative risk alone is likely misleading. According to the review conducted by the ACP, the relative risk reduction of hip fractures with bisphosphonate treatment for at least 3 years is 36%; however, the absolute risk reduction is only 0.6%. Framed as number needed to treat, 167 patients need to be treated for 3 years to prevent one hip fracture."
"The benefits of treatment in older or less functional adults are less certain, as clinical trials mostly excluded adults over age 80 and residents of long-term care facilities; limited data in both subgroups does not support a fracture risk reduction. In addition, the long-term benefits of fracture risk reduction must be considered in the context of functionality and life expectancy. The time to benefit for bisphosphonates is estimated to be 1-2 years for important clinical outcomes like hip fracture and vertebral fractures."

Another study:
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/popular-osteoporosis-drugs-come-with-mounting-concerns/index.htm
"Bottom line. Bisphosphonates offer only modest benefits in building bone and preventing fractures, and that should be considered along with the risks."

@shmbrd
I can't say that I "refused" medications; I think that they refused me. ha

I tried Boniva years ago, and was not able to live with the side effects. My endo had talked about a new drug in Europe that contained strontium, so I began to research the mineral strontium.

I stopped the Boniva, which had never helped my dexa but was free with its side effects.

I started strontium citrate, plus I was already taking BHRT.
At my next appointment with the endocrinologist, he almost skipped into the room. Large gain in my dexa. I confessed that I was not taking the Boniva but had begun strontium citrate. He spent some time looking up information and called another expert. He told me to change nothing.

Time passed my dexa continued to increase, no side effects, no fractures. The endocrinologist told me that I did not need him any more and released me. He told me to change nothing.

Years passed still no fractures, no side effects, but steady dexa gains until I was in normal bone territory and as of 2025 a TBS report of normal bone quality.

I do not know what your medical history is or what your doctor is seeing in your history. I do know that it never hurts to consider and research and decide what is best for yourself.

Here are some strontium citrate stories from strontium users:
https://www.inspire.com/m/Kathleen1314/journal/d69831-strontium-users-stories-3-alternative-to-pharma-meds/
And
A compilation of strontium research and posts:
https://www.inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis/discussion/dd823b-strontium-a-compilation-of-research-and-information/

@kathleen1314
thank you for sharing your journey. I've had diagnosis of osteoporosis since I guess about the first DEXA scan, around 15 yrs. ago. I didn't believe it. My pc nurse practitioner (One Medical) didn't. make an issue of it, but I started seeing a regular geriatric MD last summer & she sent me to an endocrinologist, Who prescribed Reclast since my insurance co. doesn't cover the other options she considered. I somehow wandered into the Mayo Clinic bulletin board, I don't want to take the Reclast. I've fallen 3 times in the past 3 years but no bones broke. I'm trying to work out more consistently. It looks like I'll add Strontium Citrate to my supplement regimen. Is there a preferred brand? thank you, & I will follow the links you provided.