After several years of investigations, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in August 2020. My t scores were -2.7 in my hip and -2.4 in my Lumber spine. I was prescribed with Alendronic Acid which I refused to take because I was also diagnosed with hypercalcemia Upon further investigations I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. A known cause of osteoporosis I had a parathyroidectomy in June 2021 and began to take a calcium supplement ( if I didn't get 1200mg from my diet ) boron, vit d3 vit k and magnesium. On November 20th this year, I went for another dexa scan and my t scores are now -2.3 at the hip and -1.8 in the Lumber spine. So anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis, should get hyperparathyroidism ruled out as a cause.........its a blood test and once cured could improve your bone density....
Bone density improvement : After... - Bone Health and O...
Bone density improvement
Happy to hear your bone density is increasing. When you say that hyperparathyroidism can be diagnosed with a blood test, are you referring to testing PTH?
Yes test for calcium vit d3 and pth the 3 work together
It’s doable with those scores which are borderline. Not so if your scores are well into osteoporosis range like -3. 2 or -4 or worse.
With the thyroid my daughter’s was not diagnosed from the actual test but from the symptoms she kept experiencing.
It is always worthwhile to take vitamin K2, and any others you need like Vitamin D3, magnesium, calcium, etc. Foods that support the bones like yoghurt, leafy greens, bone broth, prunes, etc. Blood tests can identify shortages of vitamin D and others.
Anything we can do to help is worthwhile but I suspect only the ones with borderline tscores can reverse. They should never be given the drugs.
I’ve decided although my scores are bad I won’t take any of the drugs because I am about to turn 78. I likely would if I was much younger. They are awful drugs!
As you are totally motivated not to take the meds and doing things far more naturally,have you or your daughter looked into the Marodyne LiV device. Excellent results in combating and reversing osteoporosis. Wishing you both all the best. It can be done!
My daughter has not been diagnosed with osteoporosis. I’ve all but given up.
Even if you have higher t scores surely any improvement is a good thing. My parathyroid issue was eventually diagnosed from blood tests after other diseases were ruled out because the symptoms are varied and could relate to many issues. I also have an underactive thyroid although I'm told the 2 aren't related, I know lots of people who suffer both. Stay as healthy as you can x
I don’t think you can turn it around with high scores. At best, slow it down. I have macular degeneration which is a big concern because I rely on my eyesight so much. Other issues with my back and other health issues impact my mobility and overall quality of life. But to me the eyesight is paramount. All the best to you too.
Within the last say 2 years, I saw a report on using red light therapy to treat macular degeneration--it was on a news show possibly 60 Minutes. You might want to ask your Ophthalmologist about it or do a little research. I remember they said that it's not a permanent fix meaning you have to be treated regularly to maintain the gains, but given that it is your eye sight, it might be worth it.
I have wet in right eye and I get a needle in the eye for that which happens again tomorrow. I’ve heard of red light therapy. Thanks for caring. Funnily, the food for macular degeneration is similar to the eyes.
Just to clarify, parathyroids have nothing really to do with thyroid, except that they are positioned on the thyroid gland. So a thyroid test would not reveal anything about parathyroid function. You may have meant parathyroid, but it is important to be clear exactly which gland(s) being referred to. Especially as the thyroid itself can have an effect on bone density. Two different problems, same result from point of view of patient - thinning bones - and different treatment required. 
I doubt I have any of those conditions so never really explored them. I only know about the thyroid from my daughter and that the test does not work for many women. They go untreated because they can’t get a number on the blood test. She had to really find a doctor who would believe her via her symptoms. The meds work for her hence the proof needed to show that she does indeed have hyperthyroidism.
So, continuing my effort to clarify - she has hyperthyroidism, not hyperparathyroidism? Her condition can affect bone density, but it is not the same as hyperparathyroidism so the tests and treatment are different. I don't mean to be niggling, but as the thread was discussing parathyroid glands I thought it important to make sure the distinction was clear. Both are very important issues to be considered when "secondary causes of osteoporosis" are being investigated. Thank you for bringing it up.
I know next to nothing sorry I wasn’t trying to say I knew anything about the parathyroid I was replying to fear fracture who mentioned the test. That’s the only experience I’ve had via my daughter and the test not working for her and many other women.
Go for it as it’s not my area as I’ve never had anything like that so never investigated it. My reply was in connection with the other parts of that post.
I’m sure your explanation will help a lot of women. Just not my area!
Very good - but I guess my comment actually illustrated the need for clarification as I obviously missed something.... my bad, but I guess it's really all good! Cheers!
Having gad problems with both the thyroid and Para thyroid, could I suggest you and daughter ask your GP to check your calcium levels and parathyroid hormone levels as hyperPARA thyroidism is KNOWN to cause osteoporosis. Its a simple blood test and could prevent if not somewhat reverse the bone damage. Surely its worth a try......
yes they are checked as far as I know but I will ask and emphasise those names.
Disagree. My scores were in the -3s and I reversed the natural way. Mostly by weight lifting I think.
That’s great and good to hear. I suspected it might be doable up to 3 but not close to -4. Usually, there’s some lower with others a bit better. My worst is -5 and some lower. They do an average which brings that number down. If you were able to take HRT which I wasn’t because of two sisters with breast cancer at the time and now wonder if it’s too late. I do have a friend in the UK who is taking it and insisting on taking it after 60. All the best.
That's good to hear. My lumbar spine was -3.6. Had a parathyroid op 18 months ago, now trying to get a repeat Dexa. Previous breast cancer so can't take HRT. What improvement did you see in your scores?
So good to hear your news!! Well done!!
As you know, I was in the same situation, in that I had hyperparathyroidism too and had the parathyroidectomy. I also do not wish to take the medication suggested.
Unfortunately, my second Dexa scan showed a slight worsening of my T scores but I don’t take any supplements, (other than prunes!), so maybe I should 😉
I also think that our bones are likely to get worse as we age so, although I was disappointed not to see an amazing change, I was so glad I researched hyperparathyroidism, because that needed to be sorted.
Stay safe and well,
Fran 😊
Sorry your t scores aren't as good as you would like. I try and get 1200mg calcium daily ( using a supplement if necessary) I have 1000iu vit d3, 600mg magnesium, 3mg boron and 50iu vit k ( mk7 ) but check with your GP if you are on blood thinners before taking vit k ) I also walk 5 miles a day. Still hoping to improve further. Hope you get some improvement in the future x
Thank you! 😉
I usually would do my 10,000 steps most days, but the paths are a bit icy at the moment… so it might defeat the object 🚑 !🤦♀️
Fran 😷
Oh, and you probably know, but for sake of clarity, Cappuccinobaby is referring to Vitamin K2.
Yes sorry vit k 2
Invest in good walking boots with a decent tread x
Have a look at my story for other ideas which might give you the boost you need.
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...
Thank you. An interesting read. I'd also advise anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia to have primary hyperparathyroidism ruled out.....
I’m so pleased to hear your good news. You must be delighted with your scores 😊
I am thank you
That's great news! Thank you for sharing I wondered what brand of boron you take? I get tired of eating 6 prunes daily. 🙂
By mistake my source of calcium supplements ordered the version without boron for me in spite of my taking in an empty bottle so they could get it right. I got a boron supplement from them, and it is a very small dose, only 3 mg a day, and unfortunately in a fairly large round tablet which I find a bit hard to swallow. Boron is available in other foods besides prunes but, like you, I like to hedge my bets and take a supplement! So I can't make a brand recommendation, but I do suggest looking for a caplet shape if possible.
I hated prunes (🤣), but I just put them in my porridge and now I’m used to them.
Also, and it could be a complete coincidence, I never used to be able to have wheat, but I can (since having the prunes) now eat wholemeal bread… a real bonus for me!
Stay safe,
Fran 😉
I use Holland and Barratt x
I am getting really tired of eating 6 prunes a day, too. I'm considering switching from prunes to taking a boron supplement and calling it good enough but I am waiting for my most recent DEXA results (scan was done yesterday afternoon) before I adjust anything.
Well it is generally speaking better to get things from food. It's not just boron you get from certain foods, but other micronutrients. I happen to like prunes but not going to eat 5 or 6 a day (I eat 3). However boron is in many other fruits and some vegetables. And when we eat those things we also get the benefit of other vitamins and minerals present. As we get older it is harder for us to absorb many micronutrients, which is the main reason I also supplement.
There's boron in a lot of food but you need to eat lots inorder to get what you get from a single 3mg supplement sadly
that’s great news ….🎉🎉 so pleased to hear an improvement…..my fingers are crossed it continues xxx
Thank you, mine are crossed too 😊
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