Bone Mineral Density Question

[lag713]

Questions: What are your experiences with bone mineral density changes? For those with low or decreasing bone mineral density, what did your doctor recommend? Changing medications? Lifestyle changes? Any advice or stories would be appreciated!

My bone mineral density test results show a 5% decrease in my hip and spine since my last test 2 years ago. My results are still in the normal range but my rheumatologist wants me to collect urine over 24 hours to evaluate how my body is absorbing calcium. I'm a female around 30 years old and I don't think my lifestyle has changed since diagnosis. I know rheumatoid arthritis can decrease bone density and it is a possible diagnosis if Wegener's isn't correct (symptoms: mild, recurrent ENT problems, joint pain/swelling/stiffness in hands, fatigue; cANCA Pr3 is positive but not elevated; clear ENT exams; nothing to biopsy).

Medications that may reduce bone density:

1. Two corticosteroid shots a couple months apart when I was first diagnosed 2 years ago (never taken prednisone)
2. Prevacid for 6 months or so
3. Methotrexate (does this change bone density?) for 20 months (stopped 6 months ago)

Lifestyle:

1. I probably exercise far less than I should with both intensity and duration
2. I have calcium in my diet from milk, yogurt, and cheese.