For Grandma, I'm 50 years old and have -3.0 spinal bmd and recently had thoracic back problems lately prompting me to get a scan.  I'm considering Evista but have started on an alkaline diet.  I got ph strips to test oral and urine for acidity.  I do green juices with parley kale celery..etc...a couple of times a day and am going to decrease animal protein.  Taking calcium will increase bone loss if not taken with magnesium.  Google search some of these topics for yourself to see the alternative views.  Do not take calcium...take more magnesium and learn about alkaline diets.  You absolutely must rely on yourself for answers, doctors aren't trained in dietary considerations, so that's your responsibility.

There is one doctor who promotes alternative medicine view.  Dr Mercola had a article out today about calcium increasing bone loss rather than helping it.  National Osteopororis Foundation? has forums where women share info.  Also Woman to Woman naturally is another recourse I found helpful.  They are big on herbal formulas that i might consider trying in the future..i'm just allergic to alot of dried herbs.  Good luck!

I'm 59 with a -3.6 in two places of by back.  My doctor told me that all the treatments you mentioned do not build back the bones but simply hold them at bay.  She wanted to start me on a daily injection that, she claims, is the ONLY drug that re-builds or strengthens your bones.  First, I have a problem with needles in general and did not want this prescribed, plus my HMO medical insurance would not cover this medication.  I opted for Actonel, 1 pill per week, in addition to the calcium w/vit D, plus B3.  No side affects, as mentioned on the pamphlet, plus I am doing 1 hour of yoga per week to strenthen the bones.  My back pain seems to have improved just strengthening my core muscles through yoga.  I have also focused on high ackaline foods, as recommended by this site.  I truly think natural is the way to go but am afraid to stop the Actonel since I don't want this conditon to worsen.