Thank you for your excellent question! From the information you present, it sounds as though you have osteopenia, or somewhat diminished bone mass, rather than osteoporosis, which is full-fledged bone loss. (A T-score between -1 and -2.5 is defined as osteopenia, while -2.5 and beyong is considered osteoporosis.) A word of caution, however -- if you have a T-score, you likely received a DXA scan. Such an exam, which is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, generally provides patients with two T-scores: one for the spine and one for the hip. You didn't specify whether your -1.98 was in the spine or hip, but for your own health and information you may want to doublecheck (with your doctor, if necessary) what the other T-score is to make sure you haven't developed osteoporosis in that region.

I should also mention, many experts also include in their definition of osteoporosis those individuals who have a T-score between -1 and -2.5 and who have suffered a fragility fracture (that is, a fracture from a low-trauma event such as falling from waist height, rather than a situation like a major car accident that could cause a fracture in nearly anybody). If this describes you, many medical professionals would classify your condition as osteoporosis rather than osteopenia.

In any case, best wishes as you take proactive care of your bone health. 

I think that your T-score shows you are in the osteopedia range.  That is just before the Osteoporosis.  It's actually still good.  If I were you, I'd do what ever I can to stay there because once you start falling, you go into the Osteoporosis stage and you do not want to be there.  I am on the very bottom of Osteoporosis and I only wish I was where you are.  Take your calcium with vitamin D!  Fight to stay a -1.98.  The bigger your number gets with the minus in the front, the worse you are.  I am in my -4's.  A few -3's and one -5.  I'm fighting just to have more -3's.  If you are in the age range of 48-52 go a step further and make sure you have some protection for your bones like "Do you still have your ovaries?" or " Or you on Hormones?"  That needs to be a yes!  Because this age range is called the "Rapid Bone Loss" for women.  You lost bone mass very very fast.  You need what ever protection you can get during this age range.  Your -1.98 could turn into a -3 or -4 very quickly.  Walk, walk and walk!  It doesn't have to be a fast walk, just walk!