27M diagnosed with severe osteoporosis (Spine Z-score -4.8). Terrified and looking for advice
Hi everyone,
I’m a 27-year-old male and I recently received a diagnosis that has completely turned my world upside down. I found out I have severe osteoporosis, and to be honest, I am terrified. I keep waking up in the middle of the night just overthinking and worrying about my future, so I really need some advice from people who have been in my shoes.
I recently got a DEXA scan and my numbers are quite scary:
Lumbar Spine (L1-L4) Z-score: -4.4 (with my L2 specifically at -4.8)
Femoral Neck Z-score: -3.5
Total Hip Z-score: -2.8
During the COVID pandemic, a blood test showed I had a severe Vitamin D deficiency (my level was at just 9 ng/mL). Now, a few years later, my recent test shows it has finally crossed 30, but the damage to my bones is already there.
I strongly suspect the pandemic played a major role here and wanted to ask if anyone else experienced this: During the lockdowns, I was stuck indoors for almost two years, got absolutely zero sunlight, and my physical activity dropped to zero. Could a completely sedentary lifestyle combined with zero Vitamin D over that period cause numbers this low in a guy my age?
I am scheduled to do my second round of more comprehensive tests in a few days (Cortisol, 24-hour urine calcium, hormones, etc.) to rule out other secondary causes before I see my endocrinologist again.
My questions for you:
Has anyone around my age successfully reversed Z-scores this low (-4.8) without fracturing?
What specific questions should I ask my doctor once my second round of lab results are ready?
Any tips for managing the intense anxiety that comes with this diagnosis?
Thank you so much in advance for your help.