I've had 2 bone scans, the first almost 10 years ago and the last one was in 2012. I lost the results of the first scan, so don't know if the 2nd one shows worsening or improvement. I've always eaten fairly healthy and exercised, though the exercise has slacked off lately. For bone health, I take a vitamin D/K2 combo and magnesium, make sure I get enough calcium through food (no added calcium) and enough protein, along with a good multi. I just purchased one of Susie Hathaway's DVDs called “Resistance Band Training for Osteoporosis Prevention.†Just need to get off my rear end and actually do the exercises. I do a lot of beach walking in the spring and summer.
I just started HRT in the last few weeks, but more for menopausal symptoms, and if it helps my bones (fingers crossed), that will be a bonus. I'm one of those lucky ladies that still has monthly cycles without a period – hot flashes and major mood swings. Lasts for 4-5 days, then goes away. I've finally had enough - talk about exhausting and frustrating! Still waiting to “come out the other side.†I intend to give it at least a year on HRT, then maybe have another bone scan.
From what I understand, the thyroid is very much connected to bone health – too much thyroid hormone, whether produced by the body or from supplementation, can mess up your bones. All hormones work together and an imbalance in one can throw everything off. I had hyperthyroidism/Graves' disease before my osteoporosis diagnosis, which could have been one of the causes. I had radioactive iodine treatment through an endocrinologist, which basically killed my thyroid, so have to be on replacement for life and have regular blood draws to check levels. I haven't seen an endocrinologist since then. Parathyroid hormone levels (PTH) can also affect bones. My regular doctor has checked mine and they're normal.
If you're ‘small-boned,' this may skew DEXA results. Also, DEXA machines are calibrated by the manufacturers, so machines from different makers may be calibrated differently and give different results. You could show osteopenia or osteoporosis one on machine, but be normal on a machine from a different manufacturer. It's suggested that if you have a repeat scan, that it be done on the same machine as the last one. So there doesn't appear to be a standard for these machines, unless things have changed recently. It's all very confusing.
Also, have you asked for the Z-scores for your bone density results? T-scores compare your bones to a healthy, fit person in their prime, maybe 20 years old. Z-scores compare your bones to people in your age bracket. For example, on my last scan in 2012, my T-score at L4 was -5.1, but the Z-score was -3.8, still not very good, but less frightening than the T-score. They didn't include Z-scores when I had my first scan.
I don't mean to ramble on. There are a LOT of things to consider…genetics, diet, exercise, stress level, hormone imbalances, just so many things. I sincerely hope you find an answer for your diagnosis and a solution that you feel comfortable with.
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Topic: Post Menopause and now diagnosed with Osteoporosis at 46 (Read 3927 times)