Hello I have just had the latest results of dexa scan and the doctor said the spine shows a signficant decrease from the last scan. The last scan a few years ago was -3.1 in the lumbar spine and is now -3.4. The left hip is stable but the right hip has deteriorated but this is due to be replaced in November this year. She wants me to go back on alendronic acid but I am not keen. How bad is -3.4 and is it really a very significant change. I exercise and take calcium, vitamin d3 and K2 supplements.
I don't know what to do.
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moonlight55
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You need your actual bone density figures to work out how much density has been lost, but for a very rough idea, 0.1 change in t-score is about 1%, so it looks like you may have lost about 3%. Normal rate of loss would be expected to be about 1% per year, although this can be 2% per year or higher for 5 years or more around the menopause.
You also ask how bad your scores are, this is hard to answer because there are many things that can contribute to your risk of getting a fracture.
I am and have been unable to continue with treatments owing to my being highly sensitive to them. ( this has not stopped my trying each and everyone available to me) I have now had a total of 15 spinal fractures ( all without trauma) and been disabled and in a wheelchair for a good number of years.
My message to everyone is to try the treatments offered and if tolerated stick with them, I would still give anything to be one of the many who can tolerate the treatments. xx
Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with osteopenia and as a result visited a new bone clinic near me which is a research programme running along with the local university.
I saw an advanced menopause Dr who told me her bones were in a much worse state than mine due to not being able to take HRT due to breast cancer, however fast forward she is now on a low dose (50) and with lots of weight bearing exercise, cycling and running and supplements, she has increased her bone density.
She told me HRT offers the same protection as bisphosphonates however also has advantages. Bone density significantly declines after menopause.
My patch was increased to 75 with a 3 month review.
I take Vit D3 4000iu daily, K2 MK7, magnesium, boron 3mcg
I have increased my protein, take creatine and collagen.
Weight train with a PT 3x a week, run and walk or hike
I also plan to undertake their bone strengthening program which involves a vibration plate.
Lastly , I have booked a REMs scan to check the quality of my bones.
As of yet I don’t know if this approach will stop the decline or indeed improve my bone density, but the Dr said I am doing all the right things.
Such an interesting post, thanks for sharing. Good luck with it all & it would be great if you could post some updates on progress at the appropriate time for you.
Thank you for sharing with us on here Scan results can often bring up some confusion for us, so it's really understandable feeling as you've described. Sometimes it can be helpful to chat these kind of things through a little more, so we would welcome you to get in touch with our helpline and speak to one of our friendly specialist nurses: theros.org.uk/information-a...
Have you thought about the infusion. I couldn't take the tablets and so had an infusion in March, no side effects at all and will have the 2nd and 3rd in the following March2025 and 2026. I had quite a fall the other day - my fault. I went walking in old trainers instead of putting on my walking boots - lazy or what! I landed on my wrist, sore for a day but no harm done. Thought to myself well done for having the infusion!
I share your concern over Alendronic Acid - so much so I made the decision to stop taking it. I started using a Marodyne Low Intensity Vibration device, upped my calcium and exercise regularly. I am due a dexa scan in February - 2 years after the first one so fingers crossed. Part of my decision was based on the fact that AA reinforces the old bone cells, whereas LIV encourages the growth of new bone cells which is surely what we all want? Apparently it is normal for old bone cells to die off and new ones be formed - so encouraging the new cell growth sounds good to me!
Please research any bisphosphanates before taking them, and check you dont have hyperPARAthyroidism, a known cause of osteoporosis which once cured can improve done density
I have had problems with various osteoporosis medications, now I om Alendronic acid infusions. I have had 1 infusion per year for3 years and next year I will be having another dexta scan next year to check hopefully for improvements. I have had less problems with the infusion than I do taking them orally.
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Scan results can often bring up some confusion for us, so it's really understandable feeling as you've described. Sometimes it can be helpful to chat these kind of things through a little more, so we would welcome you to get in touch with our helpline and speak to one of our friendly specialist nurses: 
Dexa scan results worse than last scan
DEXA results worse, trialling HRT
Is DEXA scan results reliable?
Huge difference between DEXA and REMS
DEXA results and nerves
