Understanding Osteoporosis Through Emma's Experience

Osteoporosis can be a complex and challenging condition. That's why I’m eager to share a video from my channel featuring R. Keith McCormick, DC, where we dive into a case study of Emma, focusing on her journey with low TSH, menopause difficulties, and digestive issues. This case study offers valuable insights into the nuances of bone health.

What We Learned from Emma's Story

In our discussion, we cover several key aspects:

• Emma’s Background: We start by introducing Emma’s case, discussing the role of anabolic drugs in improving bone density.
• Understanding Bone Density: Here, we talk about the importance of follow-up treatments after anabolic therapy and delve into the technicalities of measuring bone density, especially in the hip neck.
• Testing and Medication: This part includes a fascinating discussion about a Columbia University Medical Center study on depression, SSRIs, and their impact on bone density. We also explore how blood tests can reveal bone activity and quality, along with the use of bioidentical hormones for osteoporosis.
• Personal Protocol and Gluten Sensitivity: Dr. McCormick shares his personal medication protocol for osteoporosis and discusses gluten sensitivity and testing methods.
• Q&A Session: We conclude with a Q&A session, where we answer various questions from participants, including those about medication use and testing methods.

Key Takeaways

This comprehensive case study with Dr. McCormick sheds light on the complexities of osteoporosis. We discuss how nutrition plays a significant role in bone health and the importance of personalized strategies for managing bone loss.

Conclusion

Emma's story is a beacon of hope and clarity for those navigating the complexities of osteoporosis. It highlights the need for thorough understanding and personalized care in managing this condition.

I encourage you to watch the full video on my channel for a deeper understanding and subscribe for more insightful conversations about bone health.

For more resources on bone health, visit my website at wordpress-771446-5103601.cloudwaysapps.com.

In our recent webinar, Dr. Mike Lewiecki, an esteemed osteoporosis expert, shared his insights on bone health, directly addressing queries from Irma Jennings' community. This blog post provides a comprehensive recap of the webinar, reflecting the crucial points discussed by Dr. Lewiecki in a straightforward and informative manner.

The Importance of Accurate Bone Health Information

Before diving into the specific topics discussed, it's essential to acknowledge the importance of disseminating accurate and up-to-date information about osteoporosis and bone health. Osteoporosis, often a silent condition until a fracture occurs, affects millions worldwide and has significant health and quality of life implications. With evolving research and treatment options, staying informed through expert insights like those from Dr. Lewiecki is crucial for patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers. This session aimed to bridge knowledge gaps, debunk common myths, and provide clarity on modern approaches to managing and treating osteoporosis.

Understanding DXA and Bone Density Testing

Dr. Lewiecki emphasized the significance of DXA scans as the gold standard in bone density measurement, while acknowledging the emergence of new technologies like Echolight. He pointed out that DXA is especially accurate in determining bone strength, but in older adults, spine density readings might be misleading due to arthritis. The webinar also touched upon the potential of Echolight, an ultrasound technology, which is still in early stages of correlation with DXA results, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Evaluating Fracture Risk

A key focus of the discussion was on the assessment of fracture risks. Dr. Lewiecki highlighted that previous fractures, particularly those occurring in adulthood, serve as strong indicators of future fracture risks, with unexplained height loss possibly signaling unnoticed spinal fractures. Additionally, the FRAX calculator's role in estimating the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures based on individual clinical risk factors was discussed, noting its integration into many DEXA machines.

Navigating Osteoporosis Medications

The session delved into the use of osteoporosis medications. Dr. Lewiecki described the benefits of anabolic drugs like Forteo, Tymlos, and Evenity for patients at high fracture risk, followed by the recommendation of anti-resorptives like Prolia or Reclast. A critical aspect addressed was the bone density loss associated with transitioning from prolonged Prolia use to other drugs. Another point of discussion was the unique feature of bisphosphonates like Fosamax, which offer the possibility of "drug holidays" after long-term use, a benefit not shared by other osteoporosis medications.

Additional Considerations in Bone Health

Throughout the webinar, Dr. Lewiecki stressed the importance of maintaining adequate calcium and vitamin D intake while undergoing osteoporosis treatment, suggesting a target vitamin D level of 30-50 ng/mL. He also discussed the role of hormone therapy in alleviating menopausal symptoms, cautioning that its dosage might not be sufficient for bone protection, thus recommending monitoring bone turnover markers. Lastly, the link between diabetes and an increased fracture risk was examined, indicating the potential need for more aggressive osteoporosis management in diabetic patients.

About Dr. Michael Lewiecki, MD

Dr. Michael Lewiecki, MD, a leading osteoporosis expert and director at New Mexico Clinical Research & Osteoporosis Center and Bone Health ECHO at the University of New Mexico, engages audiences with his accessible approach to complex medication questions. With vast experience in osteoporosis, metabolic bone diseases, and bone density studies, he has contributed to over 350 publications and has been a principal investigator in numerous clinical trials. Dr. Lewiecki is recognized globally for his work, holding past presidencies in major societies and receiving prestigious awards like the ISCD Global Leadership and Lawrence G. Raisz Memorial Lecture Awards.

Gaining Clarity on Bone Health

This post aims to clearly convey the insights shared by Dr. Mike Lewiecki in our recent webinar. By presenting the topics in a factual and accessible format, we hope to empower our readers with valuable knowledge, assisting them in making informed decisions about their bone health and osteoporosis treatment.