After you or your doctor fills in all your information on the questionnaire, your FRAX score will be calculated. J Manag Care 4(1):37-48.FRAX score calculator. (1998) Development and validation of a simple questionnaire to facilitate identification of women likely to have low bone density. 1) Lydick E, Cook K, Turpin J, Melton M, Stine R, Byrnes C. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia T-score of -2.5 and below are consistent with osteoporosis.

Sometimes lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, can slow the rate of bone loss.While the NOF states that people with osteoporosis should consider drug treatment to reduce the risk of broken bones, for people with osteopenia, it suggests using FRAX to calculate a personвЂ™s fracture risk before deciding on whether to use medication. Whenever you start a new osteoporosis medication, your healthcare provider most likely will want to perform a bone density test after one year.Note that while having low bone density вЂ” also known as osteopenia вЂ” puts you at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, it doesn't guarantee that you will get it. You are a man age 50 to 69 with risk factorsIf you take medication to treat osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend repeating the DXA scan every one or two years. You are a postmenopausal woman under age 65 with risk factors

Write down personal information that you might forget when you see your doctor, such as any major stresses or recent life changes. If you have experienced symptoms, write them down. Bring a notepad to your doctor's appointment in which youвЂ™ve written down information about yourself that may be related to your condition and in which you can take notes during the appointment. The following are practical and proactive things you can do to make your appointment go smoothly.

What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? Do I need to be screened for osteoporosis? Let your doctor know if you have a first-degree relative (such as a mother or sister) with osteoporosis.Not sure what to ask your doctor about osteoporosis? Mayo Clinic recommends the following questions: Jot down all the questions you have for the doctor in order of most important to least, in case there isn't enough time to answer them all. You can also just bring the bottles with you for currents drugs or supplements.

Is there a physical therapy program that would benefit me?Aside from the questions you prepare ahead of time, be sure to ask questions that come to mind during your visit with your doctor.Also, be ready to answer some questions from your doctor, such as the following: (3) Are there any exercise restrictions that I need to follow? How can I best manage them together? I have other health conditions. Are there any alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?

How is your balance? Have you experienced any falls? Do you exercise? What type and how often? What vitamins or supplements do you take? How is your diet, especially dairy intake? Do you think you get enough calcium? Vitamin D?

Have you ever taken a corticosteroid medication, like prednisone or cortisone? If so, did you take it in the form of a pill, injection or cream? And for how long?If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, remember that treating it may involve numerous, simultaneous approaches вЂ” including lifestyle changes as well as drug therapy вЂ” and that your doctor will want you to check in periodically to see what effect your treatment is having and whether changes in treatment might be necessary. Have you ever had stomach or intestinal surgery? Has anyone in your family experienced bone fractures? Have either of your parents had a hip fracture?

Ostopenia Calculation Tool