Cause of osteopenia

[Tom2000]

Hi everybody.

I was diagnosed with osteopenia 4 years ago and have been on 70mg Alendronic acid once a week and calcium carbonate +vit D since then. I have not had any indication from my doctor about what happens next, but will ask for some shortly. I am here today to pick up any info from others who have been, or are in, the same position. How long will I expect to be on the medication? Will I get another bone density test? It costs me quite a bit on my winter sports insurance and a number of insurance firms have even refused to insure me! (Apologies, -- not just worried about my health I'm afraid. As they are fond of saying - "It's the economy, stupid!")

Actually, I haven't admitted to still going skiing to my doctor, but it is the last thing I want to give up in my old age. They told me to stop running and take up power walking, but again, I like running! And at over 75, I get a free lift pass in the French Alps which pays for my extra ski insurance. All I have to do is avoid falling over!

[Weightrun]

Tom, since osteopenia is simply a definition of somewhat lowered bone mass of more than 10%, but less than a diagnosis of OSTEOPOROSIS of 25%, compared to the young adult norm, I would question why you were put on drugs? Any other reasons given by your doctor?Impressed that you are still running and skiing. At almost 69, I am still trying to run 1-2 times per week, but it is harder by far than at 25.

Sorry, I can't give any insight into the drug you are on, but perhaps someone else can.

[Tom2000 in reply to Weightrun]

Cheers, Weightrun. I am encouraged to speak to my doctor about it which really should have been my first call. I suppose I haven't liked to take up the doctors valuable time.

[OsteoTookMyJob]

Many people remain on alendronic acid (a bisphosphonate) for several years, often up to five years or more, depending on their bone density results and overall health. Your doctor will guide you based on your specific case.

As far as the Bone Density Tests: It’s common to have a follow-up bone density test (DEXA scan) every 1-2 years to monitor your bone health and see how well the medication is working.

😊btw i am a 44 yo female, and you sir, skiing and moving around period {should be proud and grateful, lol lord even b4 i got diagnosed you'd never see me even entertain it.😜

At the age of 42 i was diagnosed w erosive osteoarthritis in my right wrist when it became fused together {was a massage therapist for 12 years, and my job...topic Leslie lol my bad i need to get back on topic}

a depressed mind creates an ill body.

[Tom2000 in reply to OsteoTookMyJob]

Cheers, Osteo.

Hope you are getting better. So true your comment about "a depressed mind". For me the answer is gentle exercise and as my physio said to me concerning how hard I should go about it -- "Listen to your body". My joke on this is that I say that my body says "slob out in front of the tele ala that great man, Homer Simpson!" But I take my physio to mean, just do a tiny weeny bit more exercise than I want.

Your comment on being retested every one or two years is probably the answer I was looking for, to tell me to go and see my doctor about it. Maybe I should have gone a while ago.