If you’re postmenopausal, have a family history of low-impact fractures, are thin, smoke, used (or plan to use) an oral corticosteroid (or steroid) therapy for more than 3 months, have a low lifetime calcium intake and/or low vitamin D intake, engage in minimal physical activity or frequently consume alcohol, you may be at risk. The only way to know for sure? Ask your doctor.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends getting a bone density scan (also known as a DXA scan) if you’re a woman past menopause under age 65 with at least one risk factor. All women over age 65 should get a scan regardless of risk factors.

Your T-score comes from your bone density scan. Your doctor uses your T-score to determine if you have osteoporosis. Your doctor may also use your T-score and your risk factors to determine your risk of fracture. That’s why you should make sure you find out what your score says about you.

If you’re diagnosed with postmenopausal osteoporosis, there may be some lifestyle changes you will need to make, like taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement, increasing your level of exercise, or starting a therapy such as ACTONEL. Although these changes may not be drastic, it’s still an important conversation to have with your doctor.

There are certain steps you can do to help prevent osteoporosis, like weight-bearing exercises, increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake, and avoiding risky behavior (i.e., smoking). However, your doctor can also give recommendations for helping to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, including taking ACTONEL.

Your doctor may decide that you can treat your osteoporosis with calcium and vitamin D supplements and some moderate exercise. However, if these are not enough, ask your doctor about which treatment option is right for you, including ACTONEL.

Talk to your doctor to find out if ACTONEL is the right fit for your bone health routine. ACTONEL can help reverse bone loss, increase bone strength and prevent fractures.