Follow up to my post the other day.

[knitwitty]

First of all many thanks to those of you who got back to me when I posted the other day.

I was asking about the results of my DEXA scan in January as I had, had a letter saying that I had osteopenia and OP. I requested the actual results from the hospital as they were recommending I be prescribed bisphosphonates by my GP, which I am reluctant to take unless there is no other option.

Miraculously I have had the actual results today so I will post them below for any of you to comment on.

For reference I am small framed ( 150 cm tall) and I am 59 years old. I had an early menopause and have probably been oestrogen deficient for about 15 years,I also have Hypothyroidism and am taking levothyroxine (75mcg )and T3 (12.5mcg , split into 2 doses ) daily. I suspect that my hypothyroidism has been untreated for about 20 years.

Report:

Sclerotic/degenerative changes are noted in the visualised lumbo-sacral spine.

L2-L4 BMD 1.023 T-score -1.5 Comment osteopenia

However L1 and L2 are osteoporotic

Individual vertebral scores:

L1 -2.2 L2 -2.4. L3 -1.1. L4-1.1

Left femoral neck BMD 0.810 T score -1.4 Comment osteopenia

I thought that these results show that I am just outside the osteoporotic range, I thought that the T scores had to be worse than - 2.5.

I would very much prefer to try and improve things, if I can, with exercise, diet and supplements before I take strong pharmaceutical drugs.

Your thought would be most welcome, I shall also post this on the Bone health forum for their input.

Many thanks in advance.

[shaws Administrator]

Those who have knowledge about your results will responds and am glad you are also posting on the Bone health forum.

I note you're hypothyroidism is being treated. Do you follow this method before a blood test?:-

1. The earliest possible appointment, fasting (you can drink water).

2. Allow a gap of 24 hours between last dose of levo and test and take afterwards.

3. Have checked B12, Vit D,i ron, ferritin and folate.

4. Take thyroid hormones with one full glass of water (usually when we awake) and wait an hour before eating.)

[knitwitty in reply to shaws]

Hi Shaws,

Thank you very much for responding, I posted on here because I posted the initial query on this forum and I very much value everyone's responses, I have received some replies on the bone health forum which have been great too.

Yes I do all of those things, except I take my levo and one of my doses of t3 last thing at night and the other first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything.

I ensure a good gap between my evening meal ( at about 6.00pm )and last drink in the evening ( usually around 8-8.30pm) and I take my medication at around 11.00-11.30pm.

I also leave a good amount of time before I take any supplements in the daytime.

I take T3 at around 7.00-7.30 am I have a drink of coffee about an hour after this and I take oral D3+K2 with breakfast at about 9.00am and other supplements at about lunchtime. I also take magnesium and second dose of vitamin c with my evening meal.

The majority of my blood tests I have done privately as the NHS refuses to test for anything other than TSH so I have total control over when I take the medication in relation to the blood draw and I always do them first thing in the morning prior to taking any medication or eating and drinking anything.

The endocrinology department at the hospital do sometimes test T3 but it usually takes them 8 weeks to send me the results, and as I'm self medicating with T3 I would rather be in control of my own results.

Thanks again for your input it is much appreciated.