Dexa scores

[ritaannrich]

I am wondering which is the most important t score--the spine or hip--my hip score shows osteopena,but spine score is normal.I am trying to decide if I need to take foxamax which my dr prescribed,

[PPower]

They're both important! Osteopenia does not require Fosamax!

[ritaannrich in reply to PPower]

Thanks for your reply.My dr wanted me to take it because my scores were worse than 2 yrs ago.I have about decided I/m not going to though.

[Met00 in reply to ritaannrich]

It's normal to lose bone density as we age!

[Met00]

It shouldn't depend on your t-scores alone (these are what show whether you have osteoporosis or not), but on your fracture risk. In the UK this is calculated using FRAX. However, unless you've had a fragility fracture (eg as a result of falling from standing height), with osteopenia it's unlikely that medication would be needed.

[ritaannrich in reply to Met00]

Thanks for replying.I havent had any fractures.I think I will just take calcium and the other minerals needed for bones.I am afraid of all the side effects from foxamax.I am going to make an appt with my dr (who is wonderful) and discuss it.

[Verauk in reply to Met00]

Hello Met00 , I have simulated my FRAX ( I did it myself since my doctor opinion is that DEXA shall prevail... and I should start the medication right way, what I still not sure about...anyway). But the regarding the Frax results, I´m not sure how to interpretate it correctly. Is there any tutorial about the results interpretation?

[Met00 in reply to Verauk]

If you're happy to share your FRAX results, we can help you understand them. Basically it should give you two numbers, one is the percentage risk of a hip fracture in the next 10 years, the other is the percentage risk of any major osteoporotic fracture in the next 10 years. In the UK the risk of any major fracture is then meant to be combined with age to determine whether medications are advised; there's a chart here that shows this: nogg.org.uk/full-guideline/...

When you completed the FRAX online form, did you make sure that you chose the correct country (drop-down list by clicking on Calculation Tool towards the top of the page)?

[Verauk in reply to Met00]

Met00 , thanks once more. I will follow you here my Frax results. The link you have send has very usefull informations and thanks for that,

[Met00 in reply to Verauk]

It isn't very clear, but does it say "No BMD" at the top right (12)? You need to enter your femoral neck BMD there, or click on the arrow next to the box and you can select t-score from there, then enter your femoral neck t-score, making sure you put a minus (-) sign in front of it (eg -2.5).

[Verauk in reply to Met00]

There is a BMD value 0.818. But I will run it again.

[Verauk in reply to Met00]

rev

Frax

[Met00 in reply to Verauk]

That's a low risk and, if you look at the chart from the other link, doesn't look like it warrants medication. Maybe you can show all this to your doctor? What country are you in?

[Verauk in reply to Met00]

That was my conclusion also, after reading each line of the document you have share above. I actually live in Brasil. Lots of sun.... vitamin D is not a problem😁.

I see that you have done lots of research about this silent desease. Sorry if I keep using you with questions.

Thanks

[Met00 in reply to Verauk]

I'm more than happy to help when I can, but please remember I'm not medically trained, so this is just my opinion from what I've read.

[Mavary]

if your Dr has prescribed it he must think you need it to prevent any more deterioration. I’ve had seven fractures in my spine and my hips aren’t good either. It was too late when I found out. The fractures had already happened.

[PPower in reply to Mavary]

It sounds like you have osteoporosis, not osteopenia.

[Mavary in reply to PPower]

Yes I have but had I been lucky enough to have found out before it progressed I wouldn't have the pain I’ve got now.

[PPower in reply to Mavary]

Yes, I’m sorry that didn’t happen.

[HeronNS]

If you want to find out what I've been doing since finding myself in much the same position as you a few years ago, here is my story. Also I include a link about "secondary causes of osteoporosis." If your doctor is concerned about worsening bone density they should run a few tests, if you haven't had them already.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

osteoporosis.ca/medical-con...

[Britomartis29]

I improved my DEXA scores from osteopenia (-1.5, -2, -1.75) up to "normal" on two measures, and better (although still osteopenia) on one measure: now my scores are 0, -1.5, -0.25.

Doctor was shocked and asked me how I did it; I got on good, bioidentical HRT consisting of estrogen/progesterone dissolving sublingual tablets, compounded in a local pharmacy, and testosterone rub-on gel in a very small bioidentical dose, also compounded.

Also I continued to lift weights, walk, and swim, and to stay well hydrated. I take a multivitamin plus Vitamin D3, the latter of which I'm always deficient in. I eat 6 prunes a day and keep my fiber intake high, and I make sure to eat enough protein.

[Verauk in reply to Britomartis29]

Sorry to ask you, but how old are you?

Thanks

[ritaannrich in reply to Verauk]

Hi Verauk.I am 72 yrs old.

[Verauk in reply to ritaannrich]

Oh nice to know that. I mean, that HRT is working for you even with your age. Because some doctors says that is not effective start ir later. Thanks

[Verauk in reply to ritaannrich]

ritaannrich One more thing, what type of protein and amount do have a day normally( doesnt need to be exactly). This is important for me because I became vegetarian ( I eat eggs dayly and fish sometimes)and I have a feeling that this lack of protein make my scores worsen.

[Britomartis29 in reply to Verauk]

Verauk, I didn't know if you were asking me or not, but I'm 66 (as of next month). Menopause after a hysterectomy in 2006 (so, 18 years ago). Also yes I do eat at least the required daily grams of protein, from a variety of sources: eggs, meat, fish, shellfish, cheese, yogurt, nuts, lentils, almond butter, etc.. Hope that is helpful.

[Verauk in reply to Britomartis29]

Britomartis29 I've asked Rita, but I appreciate your kind answer. I need to reinforce my protein consumption! Thanks a lot

[Britomartis29 in reply to Verauk]

Me too; I find it a challenge but I do try hard.