Osteoporosis, osteopenia and running

[Yesletsgo]

About 8 years ago I had a DEXA scan. It said I had osteoporosis but I wasn't given any treatment.

In March 2021 I finally decided to do C25K and have been running regularly since.

Last time I was at the doctors I asked for a follow up scan, and the results show that I've improved as it's now osteopenia. The only lifestyle changes I've made are that I no longer work in an office and, of course, running. I doubt that the former would do much for my bones.

It seems that running really can be good for bone health. I hope you find this as encouraging as I do especially if you're worrying about stuff like this

[Shivani05 Graduate]

How wonderful! This is so encouraging to hear, too.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Anyone reading that would make sure they got out for a run, I had a scan when I was about 40 and diagnosed with osteopenia, I'm hoping it hasn't progressed in the 27 years since.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Wonderful news, and you are not alone. I was told I had osteopenia before I began running, and there was no sign of it when I asked for a scan after I had been running for a while.I really wasn't expecting that, and it's what I tell people who question whether I should be running "at my age " !

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

This is such fantastic news. I’ve not really thought much about my bones before, unless I’ve broken one! Thanks for sharing and promoting me to think about bones without having to have fallen over!!!

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has some really great information about exercising and bone health that’s well worth reading.

This is specific to osteoporosis, including when to seek advice before starting a new exercise programme;

strwebstgmedia.blob.core.wi...

And this is for everyone:

theros.org.uk/information-a...

You could be on their site as a success story! Thanks for sharing.

Just at add a little note: these are just sources I’ve found useful and it’s always worth having a conversation with a sympathetic health professional if you’ve got concerns.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I’ve only just read this post YLG, my apologies, but what an encouraging result for you! I had a DEXA scan 5 years ago when I broke my wrist and there was no osteoporosis but a little osteopenia . I’ve just had another one arranged by my Parkinson’s team and it’ll be interesting to see if my trotting has had a similar effect! But I won’t know just yet - staff shortages mean the result won’t be sent to my doctor for at least 10 weeks!

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Good luck with the scan, hope you've improved too 😁

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

That's interesting! I'm just reading Next Level by Stacy T Sims and literally just read about bones. She talks about the need to keep bones strong as we go through menopause and beyond - a whole chapter called Keep your skeleton strong! It's fascinating.... I recommend the book even if you don't want to do strength training or lifting.

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks, I'll have a look