Osteopenia — the early warning stage between healthy bones and osteoporosis.
Osteopenia is lower-than-normal bone density — a T-score between -1 and -2.5. It's the stage between healthy bones and osteoporosis. Think of it as a warning sign — your bones are weakening but there's still time to take action.
Osteopenia itself doesn't cause symptoms, but it does increase fracture risk. Not everyone with osteopenia will progress to osteoporosis. The goal is to prevent further bone loss through lifestyle changes and monitoring.
Weight-bearing and resistance exercise (walking, jogging, strength training), adequate calcium (1,000–1,200mg/day) and vitamin D (800 IU/day), quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Your doctor may recommend treatment if your fracture risk (FRAX score) is high.
Repeat DEXA scans every 2–5 years depending on your initial score and risk factors. If bone density declines or you develop fractures, your doctor may start medication. The goal is to prevent progression to osteoporosis.