Osteoporosis

[Jen H]

Hey everyone,

I recenlty found out I have osteoporosis after receiving the results of my DEXA scan. I will be following up with an endocrinologist about diet and medication. I was wondering how often I should have a DEXA scan performed now that I know I have osteoporosis. Anyone else have it?

[SueC]

At LEAST once a year. Maybe 6 months depending on how severe your osteoporosis is.

[Jen H]

Thanks Sue. Just curious. I'll talk to the endocrine doctor about having it performed once or twice a year. Are you on meds for osteoporosis?

[Claire]

Most insurance companies cover the scans once every two years. The reason for that is because none of the drugs being given produce measurebale results in the short term.

I know a lady who is taking the most aggressive bone building program there is - regular injections plus meds. She is only being scanned once a year. There was no additional bone loss showing on her last scan but no gain either.

Please make yourself aware of the very dangerous side effects of these bone building medications. In many cases you can wind up with something worse than what you already have.

Be vigilant - don't let a doctor tell you they are dangerous. Claire