Want to learn more about osteoporosis prevention? Read on to find out how you can prevent bone loss and debilitating fractures by making some simple lifestyle changes.

What is my personal risk of osteoporosis?

Bone loss with osteoporosis is a result of both genetic and environmental factors. To prevent osteoporosis or to stop bone loss, you must first understand your personal risk of osteoporosis.

Here's how to strengthen and protect your bones. First learn about osteoporosis risk factors. Then take charge and change those risk factors you can control. Also, depending on your specific risk factors, talk to your doctor about a bone density test.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Osteoporosis Risk Factors: Are You at Risk?

What's a bone density test for osteoporosis?

A bone density test measures a small part of one or a few bones to evaluate the strength of your bones and potential risk for osteoporosis. The bones most commonly measured by a bone density test include the hip, the spine, and the heel.

The most widely used bone density test is the DXA test of the hip and lower spine. DXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The DXA test is painless and takes about 10 minutes. It uses only a fraction of the radiation needed for a chest X-ray. Your doctor can order the DXA bone density test and give you your T-score, which represents the overall strength of your bone.

A T-score is a measurement of how you compare to young adults of the same sex and race. If you fall below average, the T-score will be a negative number. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass, a condition called osteopenia, which is mild thinning of bone. It is not, however, as severe as osteoporosis. A T-score below -2.5 (for example, -3) indicates your bone mass is more than 2.5 times thinner than that of a young adult. This is a sign that you have osteoporosis.

For more information, see WebMD's Bone Density Tests.

1 | 2 | 3

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference

Osteoporosis Guide

Overview & Facts

Symptoms & Types

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment & Care

Living & Managing

Support & Resources

As You Journey through Menopause, Vivelle-Dot Is By Your Side

VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.

INDICATION

Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).

Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.

Prescribing Information