DEXA scan...osteoporosis/osteopenia

[sbgrace]

I got a DEXA scan (pre-menopause, but nearing 50) because of my risk factors for osteoporosis. 

My doctor today shared my results: -2.5 (just at osteoporosis) in spine, -1.7 femoral neck, -1.4 hip (the last two osteopenia).

The discouraging part is I'm doing weight bearing exercise multiple times a week, taking D3, magnesium, calcium, K2. Eating stone fruits.  The doctor pointed out I might be worse if I weren't doing those things.

He suggested stronium to help my spine. He said there is some controversy about it, but it is his best suggestion for me. I will consider taking it.

I may get a weight vest--doctor didn't love that idea (said it could shift/I might strain something etc.) I will research it and decide.

I'm not shocked exactly...but I didn't expect to already be at osteoporosis. 

Does anyone have suggestions? 

Edited October 28, 2021 by sbgrace

[Arcadia]

My DEXA scan results were worse than yours last October. My oncologist ordered one because chemotherapy increases the risk of osteoporosis. I was told to up my calcium supplements and to do whatever weight bearing exercise I could do without injuring myself.

@TravelingChris recommended Prolia in my thread

 

[TravelingChris]

Yes, Prolia builds bone.  The other osteoporosis drugs prevent bone loss. Strontium is not approved by the FDA in this country and probably because the type of strontium sold OTC here is not what is approved by the Europeans.  It has not been shown to be effective.

[livetoread]

I do Reclast once a year since I have bad Gerd and didn't want to worsen it with oral meds. I will do three years of Reclast and then take a break and see where I'm at. I had to switch DEXA machines after one year so it's hard to tell any progress. Next month will be my third dose and I can compare on the same machine from last year so hoping for good news.

Editing to add that I decided to start the meds after a year of trying Calcium and D and increased weight bearing exercise. I just got worse over that year so meds it is.

Edited October 28, 2021 by livetoread

[sbgrace]

Most (all?) of the bone drugs are for post menopause I think. I'm not there. Given I have some estrogen, I could possibly stil do some good. I'm going to try. 

I probably won't use the stronium.

I've been reading, and I am going to get a weight vest. I'll incorporate more jumping than I already do. (This is the discouraging part--I've already been trying so hard--and I know I'm past bone building age) 

The thread Acradia linked mentioned osteostrong programs. I wish there was one near me. The closest is 1.5 hours away. Maybe when the kids are not needing me day in and out for school I will pursue that. 

 

[BeachGal]

Three things that might help:

1. Turmeric, something very good such as Thorne which is used in research quite often.

2. Using a power plate. A cheaper one that you can get from Amazon for $200-ish would be fine initially

3. Pemf if you can find it in your area. Pulse Center is a franchise that offers full body pemf. They can be found throughout the US. Some MDs and other health care people, chiropractors, also offer it. NASA uses pemf to prevent tissue loss in astronauts while in space. I have used it often at home for about 10 years. It is wonderful for so many conditions.

https://www.drpawluk.com/blog/osteoporosis-and-osteopenia/