What to track (and when) to measure true progress
🦴 Bone Health Is a Long Game
If you’re taking supplements, changing your diet, lifting weights, and maybe even using therapies like LDN or hormone support, one question naturally comes up:
“How will I know it’s working?”
Unlike weight loss or blood pressure, you won’t see your bone density change in a week — or even in a month. Bone healing takes time, and the traditional DEXA scan doesn’t show short-term changes.
But there are ways to track progress — and they’re much more dynamic than you’ve been told.
🔬 Why Waiting for the Next DEXA Isn’t Enough
DEXA bone scans are important — but they have limitations:
- They’re often only repeated once every 1–2 years
- They can’t detect early shifts in bone activity
- They don’t show why your bones are weakening
That’s why at BoneBuilder™, we use a multi-level progress system that looks at:
- Functional markers (CTX, labs, hormones)
- Physical function and strength
- Patient-reported outcomes
- Trends over time — not just snapshots
📊 The 3-Layer Progress Tracking Model
1. 🧪 Biochemical Response (First 3–6 Months)
Markers we monitor:
| Lab | Meaning |
| CTX (C-terminal telopeptide) | Measures bone breakdown. A drop = success. |
| 25(OH)D, PTH, Phosphorus | Show calcium economy + D balance |
| hs-CRP / ESR | Reveal inflammation that may harm bone |
| Hormones (E2, DHEA, T, SHBG) | Show if you’re hormonally optimized |
✅ A 25–50% drop in CTX in the first 3–6 months suggests your bone loss is slowing.
2. 💪 Functional Gains (1–6 Months)
We also track:
- 🏋️ Improved strength (weighted vest tolerance, resistance lifts)
- 🤸♀️ Better balance and flexibility
- 🛏 Fewer aches, better sleep (a sign of reduced inflammation)
- ⚖️ Muscle mass trends (via DXA body comp)
- ✨ Energy, mood, and overall recovery
These improvements often precede BMD gains — and are just as important.
3. 🧱 Structural Progress (6–24 Months)
Finally, we look for:
- Stabilization or increase in BMD on DEXA
- No fragility fractures or progressive loss
- Improved Z-score (age-adjusted bone health)
- Long-term CTX stabilization
🧠 Note: Even a 0% BMD change can be a win if CTX has dropped and you’re stronger.
🗓️ Sample Milestone Timeline
| Timepoint | What to Expect |
| Month 0 | Baseline CTX + lab panel, start protocol |
| Month 3 | Drop in CTX, improved symptoms |
| Month 6 | Full reassessment: labs + treatment plan |
| Month 12 | DEXA repeat (if indicated), tracking strength + energy |
| Month 18–24 | Move to maintenance protocol if stable |
🔁 What If You’re Not Seeing Results?
We look for:
- Missed supplement doses (compliance < 80%)
- Inadequate D or K2 levels
- Hidden inflammation (CRP, ESR, gut issues)
- Hormonal blocks (low estrogen or testosterone)
- Poor absorption or malabsorption
In some cases, we escalate to:
- Hormone replacement (if not already on it)
- LDN or Rapamycin for immune modulation
- Referral for Prolia or endocrinology support
💬 FAQ: “Do I Really Have to Track All This?”
Yes and No — we do some of it for you.
Through structured check-ins, milestone labs, and optional email updates or downloadable summaries, we make sure you’re not flying blind.
You’re investing in a future without fractures — and we track every data point that gets you there.
✅ Final Thought
If you’re not measuring more than just DEXA, you’re not getting the full picture.
Real bone progress shows up:
- In labs like CTX
- In your strength and balance
In how your body feels and functions