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Bone density

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mt Shasta, CA

I have been off estradiol for 2 years and have been on aromatase inhibitor for 1 year. My bone density remained within normal range T score (-0.8 to 0). My question is should I monitor DEXA yearly? and when I should be concerned enough since I am a mountain biker and nordic skier. Not much weight bearing exercise...

June 11
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A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, your numbers are within "normal" ranges. I have osteopenia, and the DEXA scan is still only insurance approved for every two years.

June 11
MyBCTeam

Great question, and it's wonderful that you're staying active! A T-score between -0.8 and 0 is considered normal, which is encouraging news. However, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce estrogen levels significantly, and since estrogen helps protect bone density, ongoing monitoring is really important.

Your oncology team Show Full Answer

Great question, and it's wonderful that you're staying active! A T-score between -0.8 and 0 is considered normal, which is encouraging news. However, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce estrogen levels significantly, and since estrogen helps protect bone density, ongoing monitoring is really important.

Your oncology team will likely want to monitor your bone density regularly while you're on an AI. Many doctors recommend a DEXA scan:

- At baseline (when starting an AI)
- Every 1–2 years while on the AI, depending on your individual risk factors

Since you've already been off estradiol for 2 years and on an AI for 1 year, yearly monitoring seems reasonable — but your doctor is best placed to confirm the right schedule for you. Regarding your activities — mountain biking and nordic skiing are fantastic for cardiovascular health and balance, but you're right that they're not traditional weight-bearing exercises like walking or jogging, which directly help build bone strength.

It may be worth discussing with your care team:

- Adding some weight-bearing exercise like walking, hiking, or light resistance training to help maintain bone density
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, which are commonly recommended for people on AIs
- When to be concerned — a T-score dropping below -1.0 moves into the "osteopenia" range, and below -2.5 is considered osteoporosis

The good news is that with normal scores now and active monitoring, you're in a strong position to stay ahead of any changes! 🎿

June 11
A MyBCTeam Member

Insurance companies may only pay once every 2 years as their protocol which they pass on the the Dr. and patient.
Ask insurance company,

June 11 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Hello,
Yes, agree with how/what others have shared. Weight bearing exercise is important. Do it weekly. Which it sounds like you have been doing and are continuing to do.
Again, yes get a DEXA scan every 2 years. Again, always verify with your insurance .
The other KEY is to go to the SAME place and use the SAME MACHINE. That is the ONLY way they can truly compare the results overtime. Some fail to share that.

June 12
A MyBCTeam Member

I would monitor yearly.

June 11

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