Osteoporosis: A Patient’s Perspective

WHEN MARY Hettinger was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2019 at age 61, the news came as no surprise. Six years earlier, Mary tested positive for osteopenia, a condition that indicates an overall weakening of the bones and is often a precursor to osteoporosis. Because Mary’s mother also had osteoporosis, Mary says she knew her risk factor was higher than average. “My mom suffered from the disease and had that telltale hunch in her back,” she recalls. “I started getting bone density screenings early because I knew osteoporosis can be present long before symptoms appear.” The word “osteoporosis” literally means “porous bone.” It’s a disease that weakens bones and puts those who suffer from it at increased risk for bone fractures due to diminished bone mass and strength. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for developing osteoporosis later in life.1 The condition is more common in women than men, affecting almost one in five women aged 50 and over. And, while genetics plays a factor (as was the case with Mary), decreased estrogen levels after menopause, a diet low in calcium, a sedentary lifestyle, caffeine consumption and smoking tobacco can all contribute to bone mass loss as people age.

Because many people with osteoporosis do not know they have it until they break a bone, regular bone density screenings are one of the best ways to obtain an early diagnosis and begin potential interventions. “After my doctor told me I had osteopenia, I did make some small lifestyle adjustments, like giving up caffeine,” says Mary. “I was already fairly active and embraced a healthy diet overall, but since my osteoporosis diagnosis, I have made exercise an even higher priority.”

Mary works full time as a management consultant, a career that includes large chunks of time spent in front of a computer screen. Since her job is primarily sedentary, Mary blocks time on her calendar to go to the gym three to four times a week, where she combines strength training with aerobic classes to keep herself strong and limber. “I do weight-bearing routines at least twice a week, including a group exercise class that uses barbells,” she says. “We also have a home gym with weights in our basement in case I miss a class.”

After her diagnosis, Mary’s doctor also recommended she include more calcium-rich foods in her diet and prescribed a generic alendronate, a medication that has been shown to slow the progression of bone loss. In addition to her prescription that is a pill taken once-weekly, Mary takes a twice-daily calcium and vitamin D supplement.

Statistics show people who suffer osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to have them occur in the hip, spine or wrist, so Mary (whose osteoporosis is currently limited to her spine) is careful to avoid high-risk activities like skiing or softball. In terms of her overall health, Mary says she considers herself fortunate to have caught the disease early enough to treat it. At the time of this writing, her next bone density screening is in December 2021, and she is hopeful the medication and lifestyle adjustments she’s made are making a positive difference. “I am big believer in screenings,” says Mary. “If you have any family history of low bone density or other risk factors, tell your doctor and do your research. I know doctors don’t always love it when patients do Internet research and, of course, there is misinformation out there, but I felt more empowered when I learned all the facts about this condition.”