Do-it-yourself osteoporosis treatment

Debbie did not want to take the osteoporosis drugs prescribed by her primary care doctor for mild osteoporosis (T score -2.7) identified by a DEXA scan (x-ray densitometry).

He'd offered her the choice of Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva. But Debbie was concerned about some of the reports of side-effects, including irreversible damage to the jaw bone requiring reconstructive surgery ("mandibular necrosis"). He'd warned her about the long-term risks of fractures, especially of the hip, if her osteoporosis progressed. So she committed to trying it on her own with an all-out effort.

At 56, Debbie was skeptical. So she put together her own osteoporosis prevention program:

Vitamin D--using a dose sufficient to raise her 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood level to 60-70 ng/nl.

Vitamin K2--Borrowing from the Japanese experience, in which vitamin K2 is used as a prescription "drug" for treatment of osteoporosis (Glakay, Eisai Pharmaceuticals), she started 1000 mcg of a mixture of K2 forms, MK-7 and MK-4.

Magnesium--Based on evidence that magnesium strengthens the bonds in bone tissue, she started magnesium glycinate, 400 mg per day (200 mg twice a day), a form that is well-absorbed and causes little or no loose stools.

Progesterone--Debbie added natural topical progesterone cream formulated for her by a compounding pharmacy, 60 mg twice a day.

The one interesting agent she did not add was strontium, despite evidence of benefit.

Debbie also added twice weeekly strength exercises for 20 minutes in addition to her walks.

14 months later, a second DEXA result: A T score of +1--complete reversal of her osteoporosis.