Interviewer: It sounds like it’s been quite a journey for you over the last 15 months. Can you share how your health challenges began?

Deborah Copaken: Absolutely. On June 16, 2023, I had my first Dexa scan at the age of 57, which is a bit young for that test since it’s typically recommended for women 65 and older. Just a few hours later, I was in a car accident, which resulted in my wrist being fractured in three places. It was a whirlwind day I won’t forget.

Interviewer: So, when did you learn about your osteoporosis diagnosis?

Deborah Copaken: The results from my Dexa scan got to me a week after the accident, and I was shocked to discover that I had full-blown osteoporosis. At that point, I was still focused on recovering from my injuries and didn’t fully grasp how serious my bone health was.

Interviewer: What did you learn about osteoporosis during this time?

Deborah Copaken: Osteoporosis is essentially when the new bone creation doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone, leading to a hollowing out of bone mass. It’s primarily prevalent in postmenopausal women. This diagnosis changed my perspective about my health threat – instead of my visible injuries, the real danger was my bones becoming more fragile.

Interviewer: You mentioned some risk factors impacting your diagnosis. Can you elaborate on those?

Deborah Copaken: Sure. I have a small body frame, a family history of fractures, and some aspects related to my ethnicity. My healthcare providers thought getting a Dexa scan at 57 was a good idea given my history. When I got the results, I was totally blindsided because I consider myself pretty active and healthy.

Interviewer: That must have been frustrating. What steps did you consider after receiving the diagnosis?

Deborah Copaken: It was quite confusing navigating the next steps. I didn’t know which specialist to see—a rheumatologist, orthopedist, or endocrinologist? Ultimately, friends and family suggested I check in with an endocrinologist since osteoporosis is linked to hormonal issues.

Interviewer: You mentioned waiting for appointments with specialists. What was that experience like?

Deborah Copaken: The wait times were painful. The only endocrinologist in my insurance network had a six-month waitlist, which felt excruciating. In the interim, I sought advice from another doctor I’d previously interviewed, Dr. Mary O’Connor, who helped me with some immediate changes, like increasing vitamin D intake.

Interviewer: As you continued your search for answers, you learned more about your condition. What did you find out?

Deborah Copaken: After extensive blood work, I learned I had hyperparathyroidism, which can worsen osteoporosis. I realized how much our understanding of these conditions has been overlooked, especially for women. The statistics on such conditions are often poorly documented.

Interviewer: How did you finally get in touch with an endocrinologist?

Deborah Copaken: I caught a lucky break when my urologist referred me to a new endocrinologist who was accepting patients. From there, my diagnosis was confirmed, and I learned I had secondary hyperparathyroidism due to vitamin D deficiency.

Interviewer: Given everything you’ve gone through, what steps have you taken towards treatment?

Deborah Copaken: I’m currently taking estrogen, which is recommended for osteoporosis prevention, but I’m also very cautious about medications as they’re not always the best fit for women like me. I want to make informed decisions based on thorough understanding rather than just jumping into treatment.

Interviewer: With your experience in women’s health, have you found yourself more focused on alternatives?

Deborah Copaken: Yes, definitely! I want to explore all options. Recently, I learned about your bones’ resilience and how estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining that. So I’m considering lifestyle changes alongside any medical treatments.

Interviewer: It sounds like you’ve done a lot of research. Is there anything new on the horizon that gives you hope?

Deborah Copaken: There’s a promising study on a hormone called CCN3 that could revolutionize osteoporosis treatment. It’s still years from potential availability, but it’s encouraging. In the meantime, I’m focused on strength training and maintaining a balanced diet.

Interviewer: How are you feeling about your progress and the future?

Deborah Copaken: Cautiously optimistic. I’m still awaiting follow-up scans, and I need to be proactive with my health. As a journalist, I’ve learned how often women’s health issues are under-discussed, and my hope is that by sharing my journey, awareness is raised, and options improve for everyone.

Interviewer: That’s a powerful takeaway. Thank you for sharing your story and insights. It’s clear your journey is ongoing, but your proactive approach is inspiring.

Deborah Copaken: Thank you for having me. I hope my experience can resonate with others facing similar challenges.