Osteoporosis

Answers for your specific questions.

Wondering about your health? Confused by what you’ve read? Browse our Ask the Nurse answer archive to find answers to many women's health questions and concerns. All answers are from a Cleveland Clinic women's health nurse.

Ask the Nurse Archive

Is it safe to use a weighted vest?

June 7, 2019 at 8:55pm

I recently learned I have osteoporosis. I read Dr. Moreno’s article about exercising safely. I would like to know if she would recommend using a weighted vest? I’d like to use one to increase weight-bearing load, but wonder if if it is advised?

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Osteoporosis Treatment Romosozumab (Evenity®): Risks and Benefits

April 23, 2019 at 4:40pm

I have been having Reclast®/zoledronic acid infusions since 2009 (annually until 2012 and bi-annually since 2012 through October 2018). The last DXA scan in September 2018 showed there had been no significant interval change since the previous scan in 2016. However, the findings were:

  • The lowest score was the Left femur (total) is osteoporotic (T-score of -2.7)

Would the new drug Romosozumab (Evenity®) be something to pursue? I am concerned about the FDA warning that it may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or sudden death. Is it currently available?

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Osteoporosis Treatments

April 2, 2019 at 9:55am

I took Teriparatide/Forteo® years ago. My DXA/Bone density now shows the osteoporosis has returned. Can I take Abaloparatide/Tymlos® now?

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What is normal bone loss?

February 6, 2019 at 11:49am

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last month after many years of osteopenia. My spine T-score was -2.8. I am 68 years old, 5 foot 7, 130 pounds and in good health.

I did take osteoporosis medication for about 5 years in 1993 when I went into early menopause at 43 years old. In 2016, my spinal T-score was -1.9 and in 2000 it was normal at -0.9. Isn’t this a fast decrease in the last 2 years especially since I exercise regularly?

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Can I Switch My Osteoporosis Medication?

November 26, 2018 at 9:30pm

I have severe osteoporosis and my doctor wants me to have a Prolia (denosumaub) injection. I have a very bad spinal vertebral compression fracture in my spine. l have an 8 compression fracture in my back. My DXA scan shows very bad results of my left hip T-score -6.1. My parathyroid hormones level is high, so my doctor doesn't want me to have Tymlos (abaloparatide) or Forteo (teriparatide) now. My question is can I shift to Forteo after taking one shot of Prolia?

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Getting Enough Calcium in your Diet when Lactose Intolerant

April 17, 2018 at 8:56am

I am age 62 and had triple negative breast cancer 11 years ago. I was treated aggressively, which put me into menopause instantly. I enjoyed eating yogurt and calcium rich foods until this past year when I developed a serious case of intolerance to dairy products - lactose intolerance.

I cannot seem to tolerate even lactose-free dairy. I know that I have osteopenia. What does a person like me do to get adequate calcium daily? I also am recovering from a total hip replacement that has slowed down my exercising for the past year. The only exercise that I can do is walk. How I can get enough calcium in my diet since I cannot tolerate any real dairy products?

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Osteoporosis Treatment After Knee Surgery

February 6, 2018 at 10:17am

I had knee replacement surgery a month ago. My surgeon was very concerned about my bones. He said they were very soft. I previously had primary hyperthyroidism and had surgery in June. How long after my total knee replacement surgery should I wait to start treatment for osteoporosis?

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Hormone Therapy Treatment and Alternatives

February 17, 2017 at 12:00am

I have a 59 year old female patient with many medical problems, including osteoporosis and history of stroke, was previously taking Provera/MPA 2.5 mg daily and estrace/estradiol orally 0.5 mg daily.

The Provera was stopped in December 2015, but Estrace was continued. The patient is wishing to restart Provera. Would you prescribe hormone therapy? Any alternatives?

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Treatment for Osteoporosis

March 23, 2016 at 12:54pm

I was age 43 when I had total hysterectomy. I was unable to do hormone replacement therapy because of another issue.

A recent DEXA scan showed the lowest T-Score was -1.6, and they want me to start Fosamax. I already have a lot of pain from arthritis and degenerative disc disease. And the side effect of the Fosamax is joint pain. Is that T-Score a bad level and would any other drug beside the Bisphosphonates be helpful?

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Hormone Therapy for Vaginal Dryness and Preventing Osteoporosis

October 26, 2015 at 10:41am

I am 52 years old and post-menopausal. In January, I had a surgical biopsy of my breast following the discovery of "pre-cancerous" or "high risk" cells. No cancer was found, but my doctor stopped my hormone therapy anyway. Almost immediately, I developed osteoporosis and severe vaginal dryness.

I am taking Actonel now for osteoporosis, but am having difficulty with the cost. Less expensive options have more serious side effects. I have yet to find a non-estrogen remedy for vaginal dryness that works for me. Is there a compelling reason not to go back on hormone therapy?

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