<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Sorry I have taken so long to do this summary, but I wanted to wait until I got the results of my DEXA scan so that I could give some "real" info. In August I was given a heel scan by my OB/GYN that tests your bone density. My scan indicated that I had the bones of a woman 70 years old (I am 41). My doctor recommended that I get a DEXA scan (the definitive test for bone density) to determine exactly how bad my bone density was. I just got the results back from that test and they indicate that my bones (hip and spine) are just slightly worse than they should be (less than one standard deviation). Needless to say I am thrilled. I still will need to take calcium supplements and I HAVE to start doing some walking (any weight bearing exercise will do) so that my density will not get any worse. None of my doctors can explain the difference in the scans. Usually there is a very strong correlation between the two tests and though they have seen a couple of instances where the heel scan showed more loss of density than the DEXA scan, they have never seen the reverse. I think the heel scan is a good screening test. It is cheap (mine cost $50) it is very easy and painless and small enough that doctors can keep them in their office. The DEXA scan is obviously more thorough and more accurate. It is more expensive (~$200-250 though I haven't seen the bill yet). It was very quick and painless as well. Many people responded to my initial posting and I want to thank you all for all of the helpful information and good wishes. Here is what they said: 1. FOSAMAX - a couple of people said that it is GF, many said that it can be irritating/hard on the stomach/intestines. Everyone who was taking it (who gave me their opinion) said that either they had gotten better on it or they hadn't gotten any worse. 2. HOW TO GET BETTER - The consensus is that we have to take calcium supplements - preferably with magnesium and Vitamin D and we have to do some weight bearing exercise. My doctor said to walk for 45 minutes 4 times a week. She said that for my age (41) I should take between 1000 and 1500 mg of calcium depending on how much calcium I was getting in my diet (I can't eat dairy). Many women suggested Progesterone cream to build up bone density. The book that was mentioned at least twice was: What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause by John R. Lee, M.D. (I found it at Amazon.com). This is an excellent book for any woman - you don't have to even be close to menopause to get alot out of this book. My opinion: Since the older you get, the harder it is to undo the damage to your bones, I would get a scan sooner rather than later. This way, if the results aren't good, you have lots of time to fix it. This is a reversible process. This is especially true for women. Colby Ray Bellevue, WA