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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.