Have just been told that I have Osteopenia

You have a very sensible doctor, many people on this site have told us that their doctor has suggested AA immediately; as your doctor has indicated it is unnecessary at this stage. 

Osteoporosis  is neither an illness nor a disease. Many people get very scared at the thought of having osteoporosis but it is a natural thinning of the bones.  Bone mass normally starts to decrease between 45 and 50 years of age for men and continues at a rate of 0.4% to .75% per year. Females have 3 phases of bone loss- the first phase usually starts between 30 and 35 years of age at a rate of .75% to 1% per year until menopause. The rate of bone loss increases during and after menopause to between 2% and 3% per year. During the final phase, 5 years after menopause, bone loss continues at about 1% per year, however osteoporosis is often diagnosed as a result of a combination of nutritional factors that accelerate calcium loss in the urine, low stores of vitamin D3 and lack of weight-bearing exercises and core body strength. A Dexa scan of -2.5 is considered osteopenia, anything lower is osteoporotic. 

People who are able to exercise and have a high level of physical activitycan often reduce the onset of bone loss. Research has shown that a strength training program can increase the spinal bone mass of postmenopausal women by 9% in just one year. Another study showed that people who participated in high-intensity strength training twice a week for a year were able to increase their bone density by 1%, whereas the women in the non-exercising control group suffered a bone density loss of 1.8% to 2.5%.  Focus on improving your overall strength including balance and co-ordination.

Many contributors to this site have chosen the natural method of treating their osteoporosis and I applaud them.  

I am 73 and certainly don't look upon it as a disease even though I have advanced osteoporosis, (T score of -4.9 , was -5.2 when first diagnosed).   I do have six monthly injections of Prolia (with no side effects luckily) as I am unable to tolerate bisphosphanates.

In addition I was advised as follows:  See an exercise physiologist or personal trainer for good density training exercises,  do 30 minutes resistance exercises per day eg basic squats, opposite arm & leg lifts, back extension, & 30 minutes brisk walking up hills & steps,  do Pilates, balance training helps too.  See a dietician for a widely varied diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, greens and everything else healthy. Cut out sugar, cakes, processed foods & junk food, especially fizzy drinks,  Cut back on milk (contains phosphorous) but include fermented kefir, yoghurt & Gouda or Swiss cheeses for Vitamin K2,   Include a magnesium supplement with the 'green' calcium & Vit D (from Health Food Shops, rather than Discount Chemist/Pharmacy), also take a multi vitamin, and vitamin C . No smoking, limit alcohol. NO STRESS .

Relax and have fun. Take a deep breath every so often. Bone is created and changed as a reaction to the force of muscular tension and the pressure of gravity imposed on it.

Good luck and dont worry!

Research the latest information on the drugs and their side effects and I strongly believe the need to stay away from them. They include all the biphosphonates, prolia, etc. Prolia was given the red light by my oral surgeon. He has operated on many people with jaw necrosis.

Vitamin K2 is being touted as the knight in shining armour for osteoporosis. 

Japan is having their patients take K2 and D3 as the medication for osteoporosis.

Knowledge is power so arm yourself. 

I wish you all the best and make sure you read up on any treatment before agreeing to it!

Alendronic Acid has given me one incident of heart burn. I always take about 3/4 of a pint of water and I am careful to remain upright whatever I am doing until I have had breakfast. My particular horror from loss of bone density is crumbly spine.That risk motivates me to take the pills. I did check with my dentist early on as there can be problems in the longer term if a tooth extraction becomes necessary.