@bitsygirl
Yes, do your research so that you can make the best decisions you can. It’s a complex issue with a lot of contradictory information available, and the research continues, so the available data changes.

I suspect (and hope) that new and better treatments and much better understanding will soon become standard. For now, my advice (just as a fellow human being—not a doctor) is to start now to do what might help and doesn’t hurt—fit weight and resistance and balance exercises into your life. They might not build bone, but they will help you prevent falls, and they just might build bone, too. Eat prunes if you can. Google “prunes and osteoporosis.” It appears that they can, at least, help preserve bone mass. Talk to your doc about HRT. The prejudice against it has changed and better versions are available than was used in the old WHI study that scared everyone off. Michael Lavacot, who is a participant on the Osteoporosis group here, has a YouTube channel. HE is great at explaining the current medication options. Dr. Doug Lucas also has a YouTube channel. I find him a little off-putting, but he is clearly intelligent, and he provides lots of information with links to resources.

Don’t wait for osteopenia to become osteoporosis. Take charge now and act now. Look at exercise and nutrition and supplementation. You might not ever progress to osteoporosis.

Best of luck!