meds for osteoporosis

[Kimlolly]

hi I was diagnosed 2 years ago with osteoporosis and osteopenia in spine as I had no fractures I was just told to take calcium tablets etc then in December 2024 I had another bone density scan and actually saw a consultant he said as I am on hrt just carry on as am but then my dr called and said recent to start alendronic acid weekly so I was confused saw my dr who said my spine is now osteoporosis not osteopenia I told her not happy about taking the tablets as read bad side affects etc and I have weak jaw bone so worried it might make my teeth fall out I’m really worried now as my dr didn’t mention any other meds to try which might be better for me I also have degenerative signs of arthritis in neck do get neck pain mail at night and headaches which I am going to have physio has anyone else had any meds suitable it’s so confusing and worrying

[Sunnygirl69]

U are so right, it is a minefield & very confusing. My GP put me on Prolia at age 53 (3 years ago) because of very low TScore & family history. I stopped after 2 years. I've recently suffered 2 vertebral compression fractures, hopefully on road to recovery. But 1 week ago, I went to see consultant endocrinologist (osteoporosis expert) & she basically said she would never put woman in her 50's on Prolia & has decided to start me on HRT. I feel very let down by my GP.

[Kimlolly in reply to Sunnygirl69]

I know I am so confused think I’m going to just stay on hrt do exercises eat better 😂 I do take isteocare tablets vitamin k and boron tablets and colagen at moment it’s just so annoying not knowing what to take for the best

[wellness1]

I would really recommend you get your actual DEXA scan results, both sets. If you live in the UK you are legally entitled to them. You should be given actual reports, not just told your T-scores over the phone. If a FRAX score has been done, ask for that. It will help give you context about your fracture risk. If there isn't one, you can calculate it online once you have your scores. You have two doctors telling you different things about your diagnosis and treatment. How can you be expected to make an informed decision on that basis.

There is more information about medication on the ROS website and if you look at 'pinned posts' on the right side of the screen, there is a link to a post on a BoneMatters Webinar on Medication Support. Once you have your scores you can also phone the ROS helpline and speak with a nurse about medication and side effects, including dental concerns.

[Kimlolly in reply to wellness1]

I have been given both sets and my fracture risk on first was 70 this time 80 have looked on ROS but still not sure about the medication as I have a weak jaw bone diagnosed 3 years ago and had to have 2 teeth removed since then I have been so paranoid about my teeth and so far all good so don’t want meds to cause issue also I have hair loss due to menopause and again most meds I have read can and have caused more shedding so that’s why I am so concerned

[wellness1 in reply to Kimlolly]

I can understand that you feel concerned about side effects. It's a shame neither your consultant nor your GP have discussed this with you. If you've moved from osteopenia to osteoporosis in the last 2 years and have never fractured, a fracture risk of 70 or 80, if that's a percentage, seems very high. Might be worth a call to the Helpline. Good luck.

[Kimlolly in reply to wellness1]

I hadn’t got my DXA report on me when I posted this 😂 looked now back from work and my first said major fracture 7.7% hip fracture 2.5% recent one major fracture 8.0% hip 2.2% will call the helpline

[wellness1 in reply to Kimlolly]

[rwlmartin1]

I would stick to supplements such as Vitamin D3 and K2 and others which are specifically oriented towards osteoporosis, in particular, strontium at 1,500mg daily and calcium and magnesium. Boron is also said to be good.

[Kimlolly in reply to rwlmartin1]

Thank you I take all what you suggest except strontium not heard anything about that will look at that

[PoppyPaddler]

Something worth looking at is the Osteoscan website. Osteoscan does REMS scans which use ultrasound unlike DEXA and there are 2 really interesting podcasts on there by an orthopaedic consultant, Nick Birch, who does the scans. Lots of information about diet/nutrition etc. Also RoS has loads of info and Helpline.

[Kimlolly in reply to PoppyPaddler]

Thank you wil have a look on that