A DEXA scan is a simple, low-radiation X-ray test that measures how dense your bones are—basically, how much mineral is packed into them. It gives you a T-score that compares your bone strength to a healthy young adult:

• Normal: above –1
• Osteopenia (mild loss): –1 to –2.5
• Osteoporosis: –2.5 or lower

This score helps doctors see if your bones are losing, holding, or gaining strength over time.

Main Types of Osteoporosis Medications

1. Bisphosphonates (like Fosamax®, Actonel®, Reclast®)

• How they work: Slow bone breakdown.
• Result: Over about 3 years, they can add 4–8% bone density to the spine and 2–4% to the hip, and lower fracture risk by roughly half.

2. Denosumab (Prolia®)

• How it works: Blocks the signal that tells the body to remove old bone.
• Result: After 3 years, bone density goes up about 8–9% at the spine and 6% at the hip.
• Important: Must switch to another medicine when stopping; otherwise, bones can lose density quickly.

3. Anabolic (Bone-Building) Medications (Forteo®, Tymlos®)

• How they work: Stimulate new bone growth.
• Result: Build 9–13% more bone at the spine and 3% at the hip in about 18–24 months.
• Note: Usually used for up to 2 years, then followed by a “bone keeper” drug.

4. Romosozumab (Evenity®)

• How it works: Builds bone and slows bone loss.
• Result: Increases bone density 13% at the spine and 6% at the hip in just 12 months.
• Follow-up: Continued with a maintenance medication.

Plus: Get enough calcium (≈1,200 mg/day) and vitamin D (800–2,000 IU/day)—both are essential for these medicines to work.

Exercise and Bone Strength

Exercise is like medicine for your bones. The best activities:

• Strength training: lifting weights, squats, step-ups, resistance bands
• Weight-bearing cardio: brisk walking, dancing, hiking
• Balance training: yoga or tai chi to prevent falls

What the LIFTMOR Study Found

The LIFTMOR study tested women with low bone mass who did high-intensity resistance and impact training twice a week—including squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses with supervision.

Results after 8 months:

• Spine bone density increased ~3%, and hip bone density stayed stable (instead of declining).
• Participants also improved strength, balance, and posture—all important for preventing falls and fractures.
• There were no serious injuries when training was done with proper form and coaching.

In Short

• A DEXA scan measures how strong your bones are.
• Medicine slows bone loss or builds new bone.
• Exercise—especially lifting safely—makes bones and muscles stronger.
• Nutrition with calcium and vitamin D helps everything work together.
• Strong bones aren’t just about avoiding fractures—they help you stay active, upright, and independent for life.