Young woman diagnosed with osteoporosis

Hi @gigi4

I have been reading a lot about the effectiveness and the side effects of bisphosphonates as well. I can't lie, I'm a bit reluctant and scared but on the other hand, every drug has its own side effects and everyone should weigh the pros and cons, benefit vs cost of it... The thing that scares me most, however, are fractures, and the fact that I'm still young and maybe I have to live with this awful condition for the rest of my life.
That's why I decided to start taking the drug my doc prescribed. Of course, while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements if needed.

Hi @windyshores

Thank you for the great explanation. I'm still a bit confused but I will make sure to mention this to my doc at my next visit.

@sophie93 since you are young, you also need to think about timing. If you do Reclast for two years, what will you do after that if bones are not improved enough?

I really hope you can go on Tymlos or Forteo before Reclast!

@sophie93 - I’m so sorry to read of your dilemma!!! It’s obvious there’s something really going on with you. Be diligent in trying to work with intelligent drs who are as interested as you to figure out the root cause of this bone lose at such an early age. Because you are in such a bad spot now you most likely should be on the bone builders and possibly need the sequencing discussed to get you on a better track , especially if figuring out what the root cause of all this is going to take a ton of time. Do not be talked into the Bisphosphonates at this point. There seems to me that one of your root causes is endocrine/hormone related. Maybe consult with a different endo, or consider reaching out to Dr. Keith McCormack, who wrote the Great Bones book , that’s excellent. Contact him, but at least invest in the book to understand things better for yourself . You’ll feel better about advocating for yourself once you have more knowledge!!! Good luck! Let’s us know how you make out!!!

I truly wish you the very best as you travel this journey. We can only do our best with what we know and what we learn from our health professionals and others on the same path. Stay positive, eat well, keep stress under control and live the best life you can. Sending you healing vibes!

@windyshores

Why only two years though? If there is no improvement, can a bisphosphonate be taken for longer? I've read that some people take them for five years, and then go on a ''holiday'' for some time. I'm not sure if that applies to the drug that has been prescribed to me (Boniva, ibandronic acid, oral tablet once a month)

Ugh, it's all so confusing. The more I read, the more confused I get, it seems 🙁

@ans

Thank you for your encouragement! For sure I want to know the root cause of this... and I'm aware the hormones are the issue because I have also gone through menopause at such a young age. And thanks for the suggestions, I will look into it 🙂

I don't understand why you aren't getting hormonal treatment-? I really hope you can do a bone-builder before an anti-resorptive. Again, if insurance is the issue (they misguidedly require failing another med before bone builders) there are patient assistance programs.

@windyshores

I was advised by a number of doctors (gynecologists, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, and my PCP) that the hormonal treatment won't do any good at this point, that the bone loss is too advanced, and that the hormones might have some side effects (i.e. the risk in my situation would outweigh the benefits)

When did you go through menopause? Are you currently using HRT?