Diagnosis
What osteopenia means and what to do next
Osteopenia is not a disease sentence. It is a warning light, and the years right after you see it are the best time to act.
What the numbers mean
A bone density scan reports a T-score, which compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 is called osteopenia, or low bone mass. A score of -2.5 or lower is osteoporosis. Many fractures happen in women in the osteopenia range, simply because so many women are in it.
Why it matters after 50
Bone density is only part of the picture. Your doctor may also estimate your 10-year fracture risk using a tool such as FRAX, which considers age, prior fractures, family history, medications and other factors. Muscle strength and balance matter too, because most fractures start with a fall.
Steps that help
Progressive strength training that loads the spine and hips is one of the few things shown to improve bone density in women with low bone mass. Enough protein, calcium and vitamin D give bone the raw materials it needs. Some women benefit from medication or hormone therapy, depending on fracture risk and health history. Measuring again, rather than waiting years, tells you whether the plan is working.
Questions to ask your doctor
What is my 10-year fracture risk? Should I have labs to look for causes of bone loss? Is medication or hormone therapy right for me? How often should we re-measure? Is it safe for me to start strength training?
This guide is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor about your situation.
Start with a 10-minute conversation.
A complimentary phone call with Dr. Spielberg or Dr. Grathwohl to walk through the program and whether it fits you. The call is informational and is not medical advice.