I have been osteopaenic for about 10 years & recently had a bone density scan which has stated that I now have osteoporosis.  Spine T score of -3.5 ( decrease in BMD value of 19.3% since 2002) & hip T score of -2.6 (decrease in BMD value of 6.7% since 2002).  I have not had any fractures so far or symptoms that I know of.  My mother had osteoporosis & not sure how much hereditary factors count.

I have been taking Boots Calcium & Vit D tablets for about a year.

My GP has offered me Alendronic acid.  I decided that I wanted to do some research before deciding to take any medication. After having read some of the information GP provided together with other on internet & some of the forum posts, I don't think that I want to take it as so many possible side effects.  Strontium Ranelate seems to agree with more people i.e. less side effects experienced.  Any further information or comments on this?

I would really like not to take any medication and try to either increase (is this possible)) or at least reduce or stabilise my bone density loss through increasing my calcium intake via food and taking a supplement with Vit D (& magnesium?) and via weight bearing exercise but do not know whether this is possible.  Has anyone out there managed to do this?  Since as far as I know I am entitled to a bone scan every 2 years (does anyone have them more often?) I wouldn't know the outcome of the above till I had a bone scan I suppose. 

I am going to see my GP this Wed to discuss more fully & ask lots of questions which she may or may not be able to answer.  In the meanwhile, I wanted to have some input from members of this forum.

I look forward to hearing from you.

I had a worse result than you for my scan (-4.2 for spine) if I remember rightly but after 2 years still haven't opted for the medication. I have found neither my doctor nor my consultant helpful (good luck with asking all your questions when you see your doctor) and was given no room for my queries. This made not taking the medication an easier decision to make!

I think you have to know your own body. Before I had the scan I was very active, going to the gym, lifting heavy objects etc. Naturally I am now very careful about the latter but have upped my exercise levels and am going to the gym again. Weights and resistance training are what is recommended for people with Osteoporosis. I sometimes walk 8 - 10 miles and at home do yoga type stretches. I can recommend the book "Osteoporosis for Dummies" which tells all in a fun way and is not such a dire read as some others. Marilyn Glanville's book "Osteoporosis" is also recommended by other women I've talked to.

I've always been health conscious but am not interested in food or cooking so usually fall short when it comes to getting enough nutrients. However, I've also taken this in hand and thanks to some very useful guides showing the amount of Calcium to be found in a portion of specific foods I can calculate that I'm getting the recommended 1200-1500mg / day with or without the help of a supplement. Try the Vegetarian Society website which gives food values and suggested recipes. Ditto the above books.

My doctor wanted me to have another scan in June at my 2 year review but I've decided to wait for 6 months of being on an optimum diet and concentrating on weight bearing and resistance training exercises. If my scan result is worse I will consider taking medication. If it's not I won't. I have never had a break despite being very active and feel having strong muscles is what is protecting my bones and enabling me to avoid breaks. So far!

I hope this is of some help.