Better than a DEXA?

[Foodie2shoes]

I am in my 2-year period of grace given by my MD before taking something for my osteopenia which was increasing. I've been doing what I can- exercise, weights, yoga, Calcium-D3-K2 supplements and doing the OsetoStrong program. I have increased my strength 175% since starting OsteoStrong, so I'm hoping that will translate to some bone strength as well. My question is about the DEXA scan that I will have in November. Is there a better scan, or a different type of scan, that I can request for better or more accurate information? It may actually be better to stick with the same DEXA to be able to compare apples to apples, but I just wanted to know if there is something more accurate available.

Thanks

[Met00]

I'm wondering why they're considering medication for osteopenia? Have you had a fragility fracture? The decision about medication should be based on fracture risk, which takes into account a whole variety of risk factors.

[Foodie2shoes in reply to Met00]

No fractures or issues at all. My mother had severe osteoporosis and my osteopenia scores were increasing. The report said,"medication advised" so I guess that's why my OB/GYN wanted me to start taking it. But, when I talked later to my internist, she said she would not have prescribed it due to my low fracture risk. So, I've just made some lifestyle adjustments and looking forward to seeing the results.

[Met00 in reply to Foodie2shoes]

Although having a family member with osteoporosis may raise your own fracture risk, it doesn't follow that you'll also end up with severe osteoporosis. It depends whether you've inherited the underlying cause(s) of your mother's osteoporosis, or lifestyle factors (eg smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise) if they contributed to your mother's bone loss.

[Foodie2shoes in reply to Met00]

My mother lived to be 101, so she had a lot of great genetics, but lost about 4" in height due to the osteoporosis. She took oral bisphosphonates for years and did not have fractures. I have seemed to follow in much of her good health in that I am small boned, have low blood pressure and am very healthy. She never had HRT and was not a smoker, but very sedentary. I did have HRT (no longer) am active and as noted employing other lifestyle "hacks". Hopefully, my scan will be good. My original question was actually inquiring about other types of scans.

[Met00 in reply to Foodie2shoes]

The other scan I know about is a REMS scan, which gives the same t-scores as a DEXA scan, but uses ultrasound rather than x-ray and is more fully automated than DEXA so less open to error.

[Oscarbuddy]

I recommend getting a DEXA scan with a TBS (trabecular bone score). The TBS measures the strength of the microarchitecture of the trabecular bone (inside bone). It sounds like you are adopting good health habits for your bones. I would get more information before taking medications. Best wishes in your care.

[Foodie2shoes in reply to Oscarbuddy]

Thank you!

[yogalibrarian]

Comparing apples to apples is important. Even comparing DXA scans on machines from 2 different manufacturers requires some calibration and calculations. You can't really compare a DXA with another type of scan. And DXA is still the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis. If it is available in your area, your healthcare provider might suggest adding the trabecular bone score (TBS) to your DXA. But the equipment is not as widely available.

[Foodie2shoes in reply to yogalibrarian]

Yes. I have heard that having the same type of test is a good idea for accurate comparison. I will ask if they can add the TBS to the DEXA. Thank you!

[dw98611]

What were the results of your scan? I'd like to l'd like to know if Osteostrong worked.