Q. I had a bone density test, and my T-score is -2.1, which means I have osteopenia. My doctor wants me to start taking an osteoporosis drug even though my T-score isn’t in the osteoporosis range yet. She says it’s because I have other risk factors. Is this correct?
A
The main goal of treatment for osteoporosis is to reduce your risk of fracturing a bone. Bone density is only one component of that risk. In fact, most fractures occur in people with osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or less on a bone density test indicates you have osteoporosis. Medications to slow or stop bone loss are recommended. But there are other risk factors for bone fractures, which is the reason your doctor may have suggested you start taking medication even though your bone density has not yet gone below -2.5.
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