By What is a normal bone density test score?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO): A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone density or osteopenia.
What is a bad score for a bone density test?
The lower your score, the weaker your bones are: T-score of -1.0 or above = normal bone density. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 = low bone density, or osteopenia. T-score of -2.5 or lower = osteoporosis.
How do you test bone mineral density?
Bone density testing can be done in several ways. The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA uses low-dose x-rays. (You receive more radiation from a chest x-ray.)
What should you not do before a DEXA scan?
On the day of the exam you may eat normally. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.
What happens if your bone density is low?
A person may have low bone mass at any age but not develop osteoporosis. However, if a person has low bone mass and continues to lose bone density, this may lead to osteoporosis. A combination of low bone mass and a risk factor for fracture may increase your risk for broken bones, too.
Can I wear a bra for a bone density test?
Patient should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets, metal hooks, or underwire bra. Gowns are available, if necessary.
Does bone density affect weight?
The effect of weight and of weight change on bone mineral density was in general much less in men than in women. Our results suggest that the strong effect of weight on bone mineral density is due to load on weight-bearing bones in both sexes.
What happens if you take calcium before a DEXA scan?
Why can’t I take calcium supplements or multiple vitamins on the day of my DEXA scan prior to my test? If the calcium supplement is not completely dissolved, it will be interpreted by the DEXA instrument as extra bone and may produce an inaccurate reading.
Why is low bone density bad?
Low bone density can lead to serious medical conditions that could result in bone fractures. The most worrisome condition is osteoporosis, where low bone density causes holes inside the bone to widen and the outer walls of the bone (the cortex) to thin. This causes the bone to be more fragile.
What diseases can cause low bone density?
Not only do bones lose density with age, medications used to treat breast cancer, arthritis, asthma, Crohn’s disease and Addison’s disease can also lower bone density. Some illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, hypopituaritism and eating disorders also cause bones to lose strength.
Can you regain bone density?
While you can never regain the bone density you had in your youth, you can help prevent rapidly thinning bones, even after your diagnosis.