Timing of osteoporosis meds unclear

Dear Dr. Roach: I’m a 50-year-old post-menopausal woman, and my first bone density test (DEXA) came back showing osteoporosis in a portion of my spine and osteopenia in an area of my neck. I did a FRAX score, and it indicated my risk for a major osteoporotic fracture is 4.5 percent in 10 years. I’m reading a lot of conflicting information about the safety and efficacy of various medications.

I’m also at high risk of breast cancer, so my doctor is suggesting I consider raloxifene to “kill two birds with one stone.” I’m not opposed to medication, but I definitely tend toward a “Can I fix this with lifestyle first?” mindset and hate the idea of having to take ANYTHING long term.

A.G.

Answer: Exactly when to begin medication treatment for osteoporosis remains controversial, and different experts in different countries have come to different conclusions. For example, in the U.S., cost-effectiveness analysis has shown that treatment (with generic bisphosphonates, such as alendronate) is effective when the 10-year risk for a major osteoporotic fracture exceeds 20 percent. In the U.K., pharmacologic treatment was found to be cost effective with a risk of 7 percent. In Canada, treatment is recommended if over 20 percent, but those between 10 percent and 20 percent should have an individualized treatment based on their unique characteristics and preferences.

Given your preference not to take medicine and your low risk of fracture, medication for your osteoporosis wouldn’t be recommended at this time. If your breast cancer risk were so high that raloxifene is recommended solely to reduce your risk of breast cancer, then I would see that making sense.

As far as what you can do to reduce risk of a fracture now, you should be doing the following: getting calcium through your diet and vitamin D (minimum 800 IU) through food and supplements, and having your vitamin D level checked; not smoking; exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes three times per week, ideally weight-bearing exercise or progressive resistance strength training); and avoiding excess alcohol.

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