Has anyone had Bisphosphonates/denosumab/zoledronic acid treatment for osteopenia after a dexa/bone scan? A dental clearance is required prior to start of treatment because there is a small potential to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Anonymous wrote:What does your doctor suggest?

I wish I’d started Fosomax when I had osteopenia.

Fosomax can have nasty long-term effects in some. Degradation of femur and jaw bone mass; femur fractures can occur with almost no impact.

Anonymous wrote:I would also add that I believe recent studies indicate that it isn’t a lack of calcium that is the problem. It’s low vitamin d.

49 thin Caucasian F, currently w/normal bone density. 15 years ago I was on a prolonged prednisone course and saw an endocrinologist to discuss prevention of bone loss. This is what she said at the time.

I have supplemented to a high normal vitamin D level since then. In me this has sometimes required Rx 50,000 iU doses (initially daily, then weekly or every 2 wks for a long time). Now I use OTC—5000 iU/day—which I don’t prefer but it seems to be working.

I don’t take calcium and don’t do anything special re dairy; I do lift heavy weights. So far so good.

I am lifting weights 4-5 times a week, walking daily and switched my diet from plant based to whole food animal based. Added raw milk daily (yummy iced latte’s, so good).

Improved my vitamin and mineral uptake; to include vitamin D and K, magnesium, and Lugol’s iodine.

^^^ Started HRT at 50, not 45

I was diagnosed with mild osteopenia in hips, but none in spine or shoulders with my first scan at 45 due to history. Mother had osteoporosis, grandmother had severe osteoporosis by 60. I was a runner for decades, so like a previous poster I was disappointed.

I started HRT, continued exercising. Gradually adding more of the right things to do (Vitamin D w K2, no calcium because that is normal--but I drink a lot of milk and Greek yogurt daily). I've always worked on balance.

Just had a new scan at 60 and there is no change. Just got a weighted vest yesterday. Adding ankle and wrist weights. And started female-dose testosterone. I also got magnesium.

Pp from above. I would recommend getting blood work to check vitamin d and magnesium along with calcium. You are likely to find your calcium levels are fine. It’s the vitamin d that is the issue.

And if you take a vitamin d supplement, liquid works best and be sure to combine with k2.

I would also add that I believe recent studies indicate that it isn’t a lack of calcium that is the problem. It’s low vitamin d.

Calcium is useless if you don’t also take vitamin d and k2 (k2, NOT the same as k1). Also be sure you get enough magnesium. The k2 helps direct the calcium into your bones.

Make sure you do static holds in your weight training. Planks and side planks. That bone on bone weight bearing helps stimulate bone growth.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t have osteopenia, but I’ve always taken prenatal vitamins and I’m menopausal. Those vitamins have most everything and work wonders for my hair and nails. My bone scan was normal. I walk for exercise.

Don't prenatal vitamins have too much iron in them for post menopausal women? The 50+ formulas have lower iron levels. You should ask your doctor.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes--this was me two years ago. I started on estrogen patches last year.

How old were you when you started the HRT? Did a pcp prescribe?

I was 56 and past menopause. Even though I no longer had hot flashes, I decided the patches were worth trying for my bone health.

Just wanted to make a quick note for those who mentioned calcium fortified foods and oat milk - a study was recently published that you only absorb about 3% of the calcium added to those fortified foods and drinks. It was shock to me, I’ve been considering almond milk a good source of calcium for years. I’ve now gone back to dairy only.

I don’t have osteopenia, but I’ve always taken prenatal vitamins and I’m menopausal. Those vitamins have most everything and work wonders for my hair and nails. My bone scan was normal. I walk for exercise.

HRT!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does your doctor suggest?

I wish I’d started Fosomax when I had osteopenia.

OP. Calcium and weight training which I've been doing for years. Rescan in 2 years. Aside from that-nothing. I'm wondering if I should be more aggressive now. This is just my OBGYN. I live in the land of old people so there are tons of Drs who specialize in this but just not sure if they would even see me now.

My T-score femoral neck improved by .1 since my scan 8 years ago so I'm not getting worse but not really getting any better.

It’s actually good news you’re not getting worse because we tend to lose bone each year. So, staying the same is a kind of win. This is what I learned from a physiotherapist who specializes in osteoporosis.