Your risk of bone fractures rises with a lower DXA score. For example, if you score a -1 on a DXA test, you have a 16% chance of fracturing a hip, or a 27% chance with a score of -2, or a 33% chance with a score of -2. 5.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Anticonvulsants Heparin[4] X Research source Diuretics[5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Cushing’s disease Diabetes mellitus Hypogonadism Acromegaly Chronic kidney disease Hyperparathyroidism
The most commonly prescribed medications for improving bone density are biophosphonates, such as alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you are a post-menopausal woman, your doctor may also recommend estrogen replacement therapy to help treat osteopenia. However, this is no longer a first-line therapy since it may increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease, and venous thromboembolism. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Medications can help to get your T-score back up above -1 and avoid letting it fall further into the osteoporosis category, which includes anything below -2. 5. Once it falls below -2. 5, medication will likely be necessary to improve your bone density.
For example, if walking for 30 minutes at a time is difficult for you, start by walking 10 minutes, and then increase the amount you walk each week by 5 minutes until you are walking for 30 minutes at a time. You can also break up your daily exercise into smaller sessions, such as by doing two 15-minute walks or three 10-minute walks.
Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, fish with soft, edible bones like sardines, and calcium fortified foods, such as orange juice and cereal. Good sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, canned tuna, fortified orange juice, milk, yogurt, and eggs. [13] X Research source
Buproprion and varenicline tartrate are prescription medications that may help you quit by reducing your cravings. You can also try nicotine replacement products, such as gum, lozenges, and patches to help with cravings. Many people also benefit from using counseling, support groups, and smart phone apps to help them quit. [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Moderate drinking is defined as no more than 1 drink per day for women or no more than 2 drinks per day for men. If you exceed this amount, then you may want to cut back or quit drinking.
Aim to gain weight slowly over time by adding more nutritious foods into your diet. For example, base your meals on starches, such as pasta, rice, or bread, and include a serving of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and healthy fats with every meal. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
