An Osteoporosis Success Story

I have some great news. After 4 years of annual BDS, each one worse than before with the greatest bone loss just last year, officially labeling me as having osteoporosis and at risk for fracture—I'm THRILLED to report that my latest BDS (last week) shows what I consider significant improvement.

I have regained 2 years of bone density loss, putting me approximately at the point I was in 1995. What caused this?? I'm not exactly sure as I have made a number of changes this year and it could have been any one or all. FYI, here's what I did this last year:

1. Switched from low dose of premarin to the estraderm patch 0.1 mg
2. Continued with 3% natural progesterone cream 2x/day (Bajamar)
3. Added testosterone, sublingual 2.5 mg/day (Bajamar)
4. Added DHEA 5mg./day by prescription thru Bajamar
5. Switched from a standard calcium citrate supplement to a supplement called "Osteoprime Forte" developed by Wright & Gaby with about 20 different ingredients - vits & minerals.
6. Continued to exercise 5x/week - step aerobics, weights, stretching, etc.
7. Continued to eat no meat or poultry. Do eat fish & dairy.

Prior to this year, I had consulted by phone several times with Dr. Lee and for at least 2 years (during which my bones got significantly worse) I followed his directions to the letter.

Everyone is different and I am not making any recommendations. I am just sharing some info about what has worked for me. Needless to say, I will continue to do exactly the same things over the next year and will hope for continued improvement. I am not out of the woods yet. However, for the first time in 5 years, I feel very hopeful. Thanks to all of you who have supported me throughout the years with suggestions and expressions of concern.

BTW, I have a wonderful GYN. She will be attending the NAMS conference in Boston next month and quotes Lee, Nachtigal, Love, and works with Bajamar and is up on all the latest stuff and is very willing to work with alternative ideas. There are some good ones out there. For anyone in northern VA, if you're interested in more info about my doctor, please email me privately.

Susanne Z
Springfield, VA

Updated 06/01/2007