HI Helen. Here's a link to a website with info on understanding T-scores:
https://americanbonehealth.org/about-bone-densi...

I was diagnosed a year ago - here is what I have learned based on my own experience addressing this:
T-scores of higher than -2.5 (0 - -2.4) are Osteopenia - the precursor to Osteoporosis. Scores of -2.5 and lower are Osteoporosis.

My treatment has two parts: I work with a physical therapist that specializes in Osteo. I have a whole regimen of exercises designed to get my body mechanics in better shape, build my core muscles, etc. so that I can take on weight exercises that will assist with strengthening the bones and building bone density. I also walk several times a week as weight bearing exercise is important to strengthening the bones and increasing balance which assists with preventing falls that could lead to fractures. I have learned that staying active in the right ways is important as it keeps the body and bones stronger.

The second part is work with an Endocrinologist. I recently started with the Musculoskeletal Institute at a hospital near me that specializes in Osteo treatment. I am having a number of tests done to understand more about me systemically and the potential causes that led to this. I take Calcium and Vitamin D and might ultimately start on some type of medication as well.

All of this has benefitted me very much. I have learned ways to live with Osteo to reduce risk of fracture and still do normal daily activities (bend at the knee, how to vacuum properly to reduce impact, how to garden, etc.). All of this has allowed me to continue to live a full life but being respectful of my back.

Hope this helps!

There are schools of thought which suggest that .......the discovery of new scanning technology to measure bone density could be an excellent profit maker for big pharma. Someone picked 30 years as a baseline and invented a name Osteoporosis and later Osteopenia. This is then their justification for selling mega amounts of their medications. Let's face it, these medications have to be taken very long term. Isn't it strange we are offered these scans only once we've fractured a bone or have a high likelihood of thinning bones? What a shame we can't have the benefit of the scans before we are 30 at a time when we can totally do something about it naturally. I was recently refused a second bone scan because I had previously refused medication. Something fishy there. I rang the hospital and asked if the bone scan was for the benefit of the drug companies or me? I also asked if it was the drug companies who paid for the scans? I had an appointment for a second scan within that week. At the scan appointment I was told I was not allowed a copy of the result even though I offered to pay for it. They merely told me my worst score. Great for increasing anxiety. I want to see if my efforts to look after myself without meds may have increased density in other areas. My GP says they have to give me a copy by law although I have to ask for it in writing. I will write this week. Thanks for reminding me.

T scores are worked out as a comparison to an estimated healthy 30 year old. I am 64 years old and do not expect my bones to be as good as someone more than half my age. When I learned this, it took away much of my anxiety which I hope it will help you also.
Osteoporosis is degeneration and thinning of bones which is a natural part of getting older, although there are many things which contribute to making it worse. Also bone density is not the same as bone strength. Someone can have a better bone density reading and yet the bones are more brittle (which can't be measured) Both poor density and brittle bones will of course increase the chances of fractures if we fall.

Hope that makes sense. xx

There is a lot of information on the internet about T-scores and how to understand them. The best advice is to see a doctor who understands the condition, not just a GP. Good luck! And keep reading on the condition.

Well don’t be complacent because I got a spinal fracture with -2.7 I’m afraid! Do you take supplements/ treatments? Hugs