Our bone health is something that doesn't have to be so complex. Understanding how important the functions of aging, hormones, and protocols related to supporting how our precious bones play out should be fully explained and understood, especially when long-term (heavy-duty) medications become part of your life.
As someone that went through menopause at an early age and was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis; as a result, digging deep to understand and pick the best possible option for me was crucial.
Bone density tests, blood markers, bisphosphonates, urine tests, blood draws, and way too many medical terms left me sad, confused, vulnerable, and scared.
Off the bat, I knew I wasn't about to take a year's worth of medication in one shot. Another option was to inject medication myself once a week or ingest pills with many potential side effects. Don't even get me started on the lack of bedside manner and agitation towards some of these doctors. I was 51 years old and living a healthy life.
I decided to research and get to the root first. Why I went through menopause at an early age was essential to understand. The physiology of ME determined many facets to this diagnosis. I have been to many doctors in the 5+ years and weeded out what didn't feel right. Remember, you have to feel comfortable with whatever is decided for you. If you don't, move on.
“Resorption is the breakdown of old bone, followed by the laying down of new bone. Remodeling occurs every month, or it should, controlled by our osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is an autoimmune condition where this resorption is compromised. Osteoporosis emerges from an imbalance in the activity of old bone to the formation of new bone. If chronic inflammation is present, you are doing yourself a disservice not to address before jumping in and trusting what science is still testing on the majority. Our bones need quantity and quality strength to keep us from potential fractures and life-threatening co-morbidities related to bone loss.”
Doctors use blood test to test these bone markers. CTX (Osteoclasts is the old bone dissolving properly) and NTX (Osteoblasts is the function of building new bone growth.)
My point with bisphosphonates is that there is a bigger picture to look at. If we are not timing the resorption of old bone to new bone growth, you are an unsuccessful mission to establish better quality and quantity of bone remodeling.
There are always variables, and this is important to know. Estrogen, minerals, vitamin deficiencies, stress, adrenals, and optimal collagen production, to name a few, are factors. Find someone reputable that understands that timing is necessary when bisphosphonate protocols are in place. The proper absorption and understanding of how these bone markers are cycling in YOUR body will help these medicines work most efficiently.
Navigating your best options and fully understanding that improving the quality and quantity of bone is possible should be explained in detail. My all-time favorite cheerleader on the subject is Dr. Keith McCormick. His book, The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis, changed my life. I entrusted his work and dedication to helping others. He empowered me and made sure I understood that I was the boss in all of this. As my advisor on the subject, he has also helped me reverse a good percentage of damage with scholarly attention to the details of MY physiology.
To navigate your health would be to comprehend the journey, yes?!!