I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 3 months ago at age 55. My DEXA scores -3.4 lumbar spine, femoral neck 2-8, total hip -1.6. I have concerns with meds since I have a risk factor for ONJ. Has anyone reversed or maintained their BMD with scores like this without medication? I’m also on Tamoxifen for breast cancer but may switch to Raloxifene which could help a little.
Can I improve BMD without meds? - Osteoporosis Support
Can I improve BMD without meds?
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Mountainfan
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Raloxifene is actually an osteoporosis medication, so you shouldn't need anything else.
Thank you!
Hi, I hope you get a reply from someone with similar DEXA scores who was able to reverse their BMD scores without medications. I suspect that Dr. Doug Lucas has had patients with scores like yours who reversed their scores without medications. I've subscribed to his YouTube channel, and he's great. Here's a link to his channel:
Dr. Lucas is a board certified doctor who only prescribes meds for his patients with osteoporosis as a LAST resort. He focuses instead on exercise, diet, supplements and other factors instead and has some great testimonies of bone mass reversal from many of his patients. He has also written a good book on his approach called "The Osteoporosis Breakthrough" available on amazon. But just watching his videos will probably be enough to understand his approach. Also he has a free online "Master Class" to explain his approach every month or so. I've watched this class, and it's great. Here's a link to sign up, should you be interested.
optimalbonehealth.com/build...
Also, if you can find a city that offers the Echo Light REMS test, I would seek to get it. Here is a link that explains its superiority to the DEXA tests. Unfortunately, it's not covered by most insurances. I got mine done a while back in Dallas, Texas, and paid $150 for it. It was worth it.
If you put this in the YouTube search box:
NEW OSTEOPOROSIS TECHNOLOGY: Understanding Your REMS Report for Future Stronger Bones
you'll find a link to a great video that explains the superiority of the REMS test. Also in the video linked above (at the time stamp of about 3:15) Dr. Brown tells the story of a woman who was "terrorized" by her DEXA results for 13 years. Then she got a REMS scan and found she had fine bone health and very little risk of fracture. This woman states that the REMS data was "life changing." DEXA tests don't generate scores for risk of fracture, unfortunately.
I hope this is helpful.
Jim
I agree with everything simpleguy999 says,
I am the one with similar scores to what you have. Don't let them scare you, go find the REMS Echolight and see the comparison. you might be surprised. I had mine done in Dallas as well, they will forward the results to your doctor and they will consult as well if needed. I found out my Dexa was soooo skewed and the fear I carried is now gone.
I have been doing OsteoStrong, and working on my total digestive health along with AlgeaCal and Strontium Boost.
I refuse to go back on the Prolia, I can not take the oral meds due to my Barettes Esophagus, they are all to damaging. you really should dive deep into Dr Doug Lucas videos on YouTube, you will learn so much about your options.
Good luck on this journey, it does not have to a frightening one.
Thank you!!
Thank you for this information. I’m going to look into the REMS.
Hi, I don't know about Lucas, but there is superior information from Keith McCormick and his book(Great Bones) is quite informative. Another good book is 'Healthy Bones'.
I think there is a lot of variation with everyone. Before I was diagnosed I walked @ 5 miles at work and another 7 miles 5 days a week. A parathyroid tumor ( at 55) did a job on my body and following its removal and an Osteoporosis DX, I started on Prolia. I continued with my walking program and walking at work until I retired 2 years ago. Now I walk @ 3-4 miles a day and do weight training. There's great website by Marilyn Martin PT with you tube videos for exercise programs. Here's the link: youtu.be/qraveMSLoxE?si=LRC... . I take Calcium supplements and Turmeric. I have had no fractures at this point as I approach my 9th Prolia shot in May. I do have some side effects but I've reconciled their existence as they offset fractures . my scores have improved as well so I am content at this point. Do I want to take prolia forever? I can't answer that question at this point. There's so much information on this site and I constantly learn new things. Be curious and ask questions !!
SpineTotal bone mineral density is 0.814 g/cm2 and has increased 5.3% from prior.
Hip: Total bone mineral density is 0.643 g/cm2 and has increased 4.6% from prior.
Wishing you health on your journey!
Hi Grandk23sc. Your post is very interesting to read particularly as my consultant is considering putting me on prolia. I will take medication whereby the benefits out weigh the negatives. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about prolia in order to make an informed decision. I'm 67 next month & have had osteoporosis for about 18 years. I've taken alendronic acid in the past but no medication for 10 years. I do lots of walking & resistance training, I take vitamin D3 with Mk2. One of my concerns about prolia is whether it increases inflammation in the eyes or effects kidney function. I'm at high risk for macula degeneration & there is a family history of kidney disease. I would appreciate anything you can tell me about prolia please especially side effects & regular blood tests. Thank you
Hi 2poodles
I have not had any eye or kidney function issues. If you look up the side effects those things aren't mentioned unless you dig. "In rare cases, bisphosphonates are well established to cause ocular inflammation, presenting as uveitis, episcleritis, scleritis, orbital inflammation, and/or conjunctivitis" and if you have CKD then hypocalcemia with Prolia can cause issues. There's so much information out there I often get weighed down with my ADHD on too much information to process 
Here's a link to a women's health network that talks about the controversy.
womenshealthnetwork.com/bon...
Keep asking questions and do your homework!! This is a great place to start.
Good luck !
Thank you for your reply. All replies are helpful in helping me make an informed choice.. I'll check the link out. You are right there is so much information to process.
Hi. I improved my dexa scores without drugs. After I was diagnosed I realized I was doing so many things wrong so wanted to see what education could do before taking the drugs. I felt the drugs, at least fosamax, stopped the breakdown of old bone so new formation could catch up, I didn't like the idea that part of the increase in density was just old bone.
If I didn't think I had a lot to change, I probably would have said sure, and in the future I still might. It is very complex. The calcium and other minerals you need to build bone need to be taken thruout the day. A one pill a day fix is just not right and the weight bearing exercise is heavy weight every time you can. Walking is just not enough. It's very individual if you think you can cnange your bone health without drugs. a post of mine from a few months ago
healthunlocked.com/boneheal...
Nice work on improving your dexa scores without drugs! How much Gerolsteiner mineral water do you drink? Do you know if the carbonation is safe for bones?
I think you've just demonstrated a really important point about osteoporosis medications. There are a number of them -- with different mechanisms of action; different area of treatment (spine vs. all fractures); different delivery mechanisms (oral, infusion, injection, etc.); and different contraindications.
It's important to work with a healthcare provider who understands your body and the medication options.
Too often people get stuck on the scary headlines and shy away from the medications.
They assume that the options are meds vs. no meds, when the real decision may be meds vs. life altering fractures.
The raloxifene sounds like it might be a good option based on your spine t-score.
