Fosamax & Biphosponates

[Dekeldoh (imported)]

My DEXA showed mild osteopenia & endo wants me on Fosamax for 4-5 years. Anyone have experience with these kinds of medications? What kinds of side effects do they have and how do they compare to alternatives?

I will be seeing my endo again soon to discuss my options in detail, so all ideas are welcome. Any other no-T eunuchs have special tips for fighting osteoporosis?

[Wolf-Pup (imported)]

I was diagnosed with Low T and in 2008 I went on T and Fosamax, and then changed to Boniva because it was just once a month. I don't recall having any side effects from either bone medication. Oh I also started taking 1200mg of calcium a day. After 5 years my osteopenia was gone and my bones all tested normal strength.

[daifu-orchid (imported)]

Don't think Boniva / Fosamax do any harm. Calcium supplement is easy with TUMS or generic at 1000mg per tab. The F / B will put the calcium into the bones and give a higher reading on bone density tests.

Not easy to know what to make of all this as it seems that higher densities have note been shown to be associated with lesser fractures (?=bone strength).

-But nobody wants decalcified bones, so what to do?

AFAIK, the concensus is to prevent avoidable demineralization, but knowing that it's effect on improving bone strength may be uncertain at best. You'd have to try breaking the bone to be sure!