We’re going to lose bone after menopause (and those taking estrogen blockers for health reasons may experience greater density loss, but often costs have to be measured against benefits). That’s life. Diet, exercise, stress reduction, whatever we can do naturally that will help stave off too much loss is really important. If we reach a point where meds are needed, that’s fine … they are available to augment our healthy lifestyle choices. I do think that we need to be careful how we approach meds for osteoporosis, just as we need to be careful how we approach meds for any other condition. Be sure to take an active role in all of your health decisions.
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I think this is what my oncologist had mentioned as a possibility, so this may well be in my future. Haven’t heard back from her yet since the scan.
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Well, I just heard back from my oncologist who ordered the Dexa and she does not seem to have the same sense of urgency that I do to start addressing this issue. She said we could discuss Prolia or Zometa at my next appointment which, since I just had an appointment recently, is in about 6 months. Well, I guess in the meantime I’ll be increasing my calcium and weight bearing exercises.
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You need to take Vitamin D not just increase your calcium. I have been taking Vitamin D supplements for many years now (no other medication) and it helps.
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I already take a daily vitamin D supplement and have been taking that since my cancer diagnosis four yeas ago (it was the one supplement my oncologist recommended as low D is apparently associated with increased breast and other cancer risk). I had thought I was getting adequate calcium through yogurt and cheese consumption, but looks like I need some more.
I wouldn’t recommend Prolia. You have to be on it for the rest of your life. It’s an injection every 6 months. Forever. My 78-yo mom is on it and has some regret now. She was without a PCP for a bit due to a move, and had to pay full price out of pocket for a dose (over $1K). I am an RN and gave her the injection at home. I am 56 and have full-blown osteoporosis, thanks to genetics and hyperthyroid, but I would not consider Prolia until age 70 at the very earliest.
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That is all really good to know - thank you!
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I always hate to do this but I have to present a different opinion/scenario.
I am 65 and started Prolia 2 years ago. I have no side effects and my numbers have improved this last round of labs. My endo is hoping for a 5 year round of Prolia and then properly (not cold turkey) transitioning to another osteo med. Not a lifetime treatment in my case. I go to a very nearby infusion center and am in and out in 10 mins, twice a year.
I’ll also note that depending on your labs ask your doc about how much /how often you should take calcium and D. I was taking daily and my levels actually became too high. I take calcium that a low dose of Vitamin D in it 3x weekly. My numbers are now mid to slightly high. Daily dosage would be overkill for me and yes you don’t want your levels to get too high. More is not better.
No lectures please directed at me. In my case, my scenario, Prolia was the recommended course of treatment. So far results are positive.
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Also a very helpful perspective - thank you!
When I told the endocrinologist that I walk with a weighted vest or run about 40 miles a week and I weight train, she just shrugged! Didn’t seem to think that was a way to help. I’m doing the urine test and the other blood tests she wants and we will see how they go but I’m already thinking I want a second opinion. I’m definitely not going on meds after this one Dexa scan I’ve had. She wants me to have another one in Aug (which would be just one year from the last one) but if insurance doesn’t pay for it I’m going to wait until Aug 2026. Don’t think my case is dire.
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I believe ice cream is required.
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I will immediately increase my consumption - and just in time for those hot summer months 
I’ve been taking D3 for several years. My doc last year said some people like D3/k2 so when I found some at Costco I started taking that. I do think it is better! I don’t know why but my daily numbers (BP, Blood sugars) seem better. It was an easy switch as it is just a different vitamin (I do a gummy of the D3/k2 while the D3 alone was just a tiny gel pill).
I wish all my medications were that easy.
Keith McCormick writes about Prolia’s pros and cons, and how to transition to Reclast, in his book “Great Bones.” Dr. Ben Leder also discusses Prolia in his video “Combination and Sequencing Approaches to Osteoporosis” on YouTube. McCormick has some videos too (one is from OsteoBoston). There is an argument for every approach: we are all so individual.
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Ooh, I need to look for this at Costco. I take that combo, but it’s pretty expensive. I’d be happy to find one that costs less.
A shot every six months sounds a lot easier to deal with than a year of monthly shots! (Evenity)
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A couple of weeks before my shot I also get labs done to check my calcium and D levels and also to check kidney stuff (sometimes a side effect of Prolia)
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Yes, but they are different medications, and they have different effects on bones. They aren’t used interchangeably.
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I am only considering the inconvenience factor not the reasons for taking one over the other!
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I found it in a local Costco but couldn’t find it last time I looked. I searched at Costco online and last week it was on sale for $15 for 120 days supply. It wasn’t available at any local Costco stores.
Also found it on Amazon for a little more, but 180 day supply.