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Osteoporosis medicine
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis May 2024. My Dr wants to wait for next Dexa before starting meds. I have been walking, lifting 5 lb free weights and doing strength training. I have also researching medication. I want to build bone on healthy bone not old bone. What if my meds do that?
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Tymlos and Forteo build quality bone. They are "anabolics." Bisphosphonates and Prolia are anti-resorptive and inhibit bone resorption/turnover. Evenity is both.
Insurance is often an obstacle to getting the right sequence of medications. If you have mild osteoporosis you may be able to do more holistic approaches or even start with Fosamax, a bisphosphonate.
Be careful with lifting weights, strength training, bending and twisting!! Good luck!
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2 ReactionsThank you my Dexa score -1.5 lumbar, -2.4 left hip, - 2.6 right hip
Osteopenia is -1 to -2.5 so your spine looks enviable in my book. Let hips is still osteopenia. Right hip is just over the line to osteoporosis.
You might want to read Keith McCormick's books "A Holistic Approach to Osteoporosis" and the more recent "Great Bones" which has the same info and much much more. He also has a lot of videos online.
Do you see an endocrinologist? Many people are not doing meds with scores like yours, but bone safety is complicated and along with density, quality is important. You can do a FRAX score (look it up).
My caution to be careful still might apply but not urgently- ask your doctor and PT on this!
I'll be honest- many of us, including me, are never going to get back to scores like yours. In my view, and apparently your doctor's, you have time before you need to worry about meds. Learn all you can and when the time comes, you will be ready! It is likely that bisphosphonates will be prescribed since insurance covers them, or maybe Prolia. My docs avoid Prolia, long story.
Thanks so much. I will definitely check out those books. I see my Dr in Oct after blood work is done. I was going to ask about PT.
Having recently being diagnosed with osteopenia, can a holistic method for treatment be just as effective as injections.
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1 ReactionWelcome @mymymymy, I was diagnosed with osteopenia in 2017 at Mayo Clinic Rochester and my doctor just suggested starting a calcium supplement and some lifestyle changes similar to what is recommended on the Mayo website - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060.
I'm 82 now and I'm due for another bone scan in the next year or so. I'm hoping to stay off of injections.
Did your doctor provide any suggestions on supplements or lifestyle changes that can help?
Iamnana: I'm not a doctor but I would be careful with bisphosphonates. You might want to check out 'The Healthy Bones-Nutrition Plan and Cookbook' by Dr. Laura Kelly and Helen Bryman Kelly. My hats off to you for doing what you're doing so far. I wish I had been more responsive in my earlier years.