This is probably what your doctor was suggesting, I didn't find any information as to the cost. I'm sure that was upsetting news, but at the same time, think of it as having your treatment 'in your own hands'...literally. "Low-Dose Parathyroid Injections. Although high persistent levels of parathyroid hormone can cause osteoporosis, daily injections of low and intermittent doses of this hormone actually stimulate bone production. Unlike most treatments for osteoporosis, including bisphosphonates, the benefits may persist even after the injections have been stopped. Teriparatide (Forteo), an agent made from selected amino acids found in parathyroid hormone, has now been approved for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Studies suggest it significantly lowers the risk of fracture and increases bone mineral density. In one small study, parathyroid hormone significantly reduced spinal fractures compared to hormone replacement therapy. Although not yet approved for men with osteoporosis, it may be effective for these patients as well. Although the treatment requires injections, experts believe that patients will get used to them, just as people with diabetes grow accustomed to insulin shots. Side effects are mild and include nausea, dizziness, and leg cramps. No significant complications have been reported to date. Of concern are early studies reporting bone tumors in mice who were given parathyroid long-term. Such effects have not been observed in humans to date. (Of note in this regard, persons with Paget disease, a disorder in which bone thickens but also, oddly, weakens, should not take parathyroid hormone, since they are at higher than normal risk for bone tumors.)"

It's been my experience that the ladies who have taken all my mammograms have always been so sweet and helpful. It's good to keep a sense of humor.......it's sort of a really silly test! (very important.......but silly!!) :) Judy....I don't know if this is happening to you, but I noticed that when I started through perimenopause, I developed so much fear of everything! It pretty much reached panic proportions, even when they were tests and doctor and dentist visits that shouldn't have been scary to me. I was curious if this is happening to you? I have talked to a number of women who seemed to develop intense fears while going through menopause. I was put on a beta blocker for high blood pressure, and it had the side-effect of calming me down alot. But I still avoid doctors and tests! I think it's great that you are having these tests, even though you are a bit anxious. Good luck and let us know how they go!

Glad you've finally gotten some information. I know from my own experiences that even bad news is better than the not knowing and having the medical profession questioning the "reality" of your symptoms. Go easy and give yourself plenty of time to heal. And...if it won't alarm you too much, I'd look up the side effects of the various medicines you take/have taken. I've learned that the medical profession often times isn't too thorough with this type of thing. They swore that my DFL was not experiencing a drug interaction, yet when we got very insistent that the change the 1 med to something else on an temporary basis, all the side effect issues disappeared. Take care yourself. Lisa

Had my first scan at 66. My new doctor was surprised that I'd never had one before. It showed osteopenia, almost osteoporosis, in the neck and one hip. She prescribed Raloxifene. The second day I was on it, I felt profoundly depressed for no reason, and that evening I had what I think was a hot flash, where I felt like I was burning up but had no fever. Turns out the drug works by messing with your estrogen. I went off it immediately. Instead, I switched from my daily unsupported headstand to a handstand against the wall. I began taking a calcium and magnesium supplement. I don't like gym type exercise, so I started seeking out opportunities for more weightbearing. I now buy almost all of my groceries in other neighborhoods and carry them walking, not taking transportation. Need something carried? Let me help! I guess I'll find out at my next bone scan if this stopped the deterioration. For me, the scan part was a non-event. It's the results that were a hassle.