Osteoporosis - Questions and Answers

Medical experts from Harvard University answer common questions about osteoporosis.

QUESTION: Forteo for Osteoporosis
What are the pros and cons of taking the drug Forteo for osteoporosis? I understand that you receive an injection each day for two years and then your bones are rebuilt. Is this true?
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QUESTION: Osteopenia Causes
I have been diagnosed with osteopenia. I have taken Synthroid for the last 40 years (l mg and then reduced to .75 mg) for an underactive thyroid. Nine years ago I had a craniotomy for a benign ependymoma. I had 32 radiation treatments of the head, thoracic spine, lumbar spine and cervical spine. Do you think that the radiation after the craniotomy or the length of time that I've been on Synthroid might have something to do with my diagnosis of osteopenia?
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QUESTION: Bone Density Tests
What is the range of numbers for bone density tests and what numbers indicate moderate and severe osteoporosis?
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QUESTION: Exercise and Bone Density
How does exercise help increase bone density?
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QUESTION: DEXA Scan
Is a DEXA scan the same as a bone density scan?
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QUESTION: Actonel and Bone Loss
At what point in bone loss would a person start Actonel? I am a 48-year-old female with T-scores of -1.1 in hip, -1.5 in spine, and -1.2 in neck. I take 1200 international units of calcium daily, eat three servings of dairy, do weight-bearing exercises, and walk 2.5 miles each day. Should I start Actonel now?
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QUESTION: Bone Density Test
My gynecologist wants me to have a bone density test done every two years. Is this really necessary?
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QUESTION: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
I was recently diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw. What do you do to treat this disease? Is there any hope at all for facial reconstruction?
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