Graywings, I stopped the Evista because I do not like taking medicines. My primary insisted and I have taken it for about 3 or 4 years. She retired and I have told my new doctor that I don't want to take it. I am also doing more weight-bearing exercises. She agreed that we can give this a try, pending the outcome of my next bone density test in about a year. We'll see. Java, I don't think it is psoriatic arthritis. I have read about that and it is talking about separation from the nail bed and such. While protein and calcium probably have something to do with it, I think the main cause is probably chemicals from over polishing and dryness. It seems like I was removing and reapplying polish 2 or 3 times a week this winter. Then when the technician buffed my nails paper thin, it was really bad. Some of that polish was off by the next morning. Oakley and Peegee, with that overpriced kit I bought at the mall kiosk was a buffer. It is incredible how much my nails are shining. I keep using the oil that came with it. There is also a hand cream that I left in Florida for my friend to bring up as it was over 3 ounces. I will get that next week. I agree with all above who said I need to lay off the polish. Now that is killing me as I do not like my nails without it, but I know I need to stop at least until I get this mess grown out. Thanks again for all of your replies.

I took Fosamax for years, then a 2-year stint on injectable Forteo, now I'm on Boniva. The doctor suggested that I switch to Evista (which as Tally says helps protect against breast cancers), but I said "no" because side effects include blood clots in legs and lungs, and stroke. These are not common side effects. The cardiologist told me if I switch to Evista, then I would need to be sure to take baby aspirin. Maybe I'll switch to Evista later. All these bone drugs are fairly new, and I feel like a real guinea pig (squeek squeek!), but I am afraid to take nothing. Kat, you have to talk with your doctors to figure out which one is best for you. If you want to see a specialist, that would be an endocrinologist. Good luck with all this. You'll want to be tested for vitamin D and calcium and take supplements for that as well if needed. I send you a big hug for working so hard to take care of yourself. Good thing you are near to world class medical care.

As of yet I have no signs of bone density loss. I am 60. I have never ever been a milk drinker since I was into my 3rd year. I am a not a great dairy eater except for cheese and cream which I eat in moderation. I do not take any vitamins or supplements. I did take natal and prenatal vitamins as prescribed by my doctor during my childbearing years. I think simple genetics plays a role. I also believe that women who over diet into staying thin can add to the later thinning of their bones. I credit my healthy (thus far) bones to genetics,exercise and a bit of extra padding in my middle years and presently. With all the controversy over supplements and medications I choose to take nothing unless it is something that would actually be life-saving 0r proven to treat a certain condition. I take my thyroid meds religiously for example. if I had high blood pressure I would take my meds for that. High cholesterol? I o would really have to think about it. Too many pros and cons so that would have to be a carefully informed decision. I think we need to concentrate on healthy balanced diets, a weight based on health and not vanity, and exercise and balance throughout out lives. I lost balance due to hearing loss so I concentrate on that area. It's not as good as it was but I must say it is much better than a lot of my younger friends. Except in extreme cases most breaks in elderly are due to falls. Working on balance can prevent those falls or at least lessen the chance of them. I am sure that in some people there is drug therapy to delay the advancement of Osteo. But like Glenda said exercise,weight training etc. play a role too. I believe a greater one. And for every prescribed drug that has controversial side effects or no effects there are so called perfectly "natural" OTC supplements that have the same downsides and can even be more harmful. So if one is taking advice of thier local "nutritionist" at the health food store or Vitamin Store they should do some heavy research on the real science behind these drugs.

Many of these posts are confusing osteopenia with osteoporosis! No one is saying that osteoporosis is not a real condition. Whether to treat it or not, should be a joint decision between one and ones doctor. I have chosen not to treat my osteoporosis and my doctor is very comfortable with my decision. I tried Fosomax when I was first diagnosed - could not take it due to my GERD. We have talked about the once or twice yearly injection, but I seem to be the poster child for adverse reactions to drugs. I take a LOT of meds for my pulmonary condition, and one med for my GERD. I'm very reluctant to add another drug to my "witches brew", especially one that lasts for 6 months or one year - if one has an adverse reaction, it's not just a matter of stopping the drug - great harm can be done. I have no risk factors with my osteoporosis and while both my parents had this, no one ever had a break and my father fell constantly. If I have a fracture, I might well revisit this choice, but for now, I'm comfortable with it as is my doctor.