What is a Bone Mineral
Density Test?
Bone mineral density (BMD) tests
measure bone densities in different areas
of the body. Bone density tests can
determine whether you are at an increased
risk for osteoporosis or fracture. BMD
tests are safe, quick, non-invasive and
painless.
The following devices are used to screen
for osteoporosis:
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
(DXA or DEXA) measures your hip,
spine, or total body. These tests are
considered the “gold standard” in
measuring your bone health. The DXA or
DEXA test is a highly sensitive scan using
x-ray, and is more comprehensive than the
peripheral machines. Therefore, results are
more accurate. The test does, however,
emit radiation, although your exposure
during a bone density test is usually only
about one-tenth of the amount emitted
during a chest x-ray. The test is easy to
take. You lie down and the machine scans
over your body in just a few minutes.
Ultrasound is generally used as an initial
screening test. If results from an
ultrasound test indicate that bone density
is low, DEXA is recommended to confirm
the results. Ultrasound uses sound waves
to determine bone stiffness index, usually
in your heel. Ultrasound is rapid, painless,
and does not use potentially harmful
radiation like x-rays. One disadvantage of
ultrasound is that it cannot measure the
density of the bones most likely to fracture
from osteoporosis (the hip and spine) and
it is limited at monitoring and comparing
the effects of medications used to treat
osteoporosis.
Both scores, your T-score and Z-score, are
expressed in standard deviations (SD).
The following table can be used to help
you understand what your BMD test
results mean. This table is based only on
your T-score since Z-scores cannot be
used to determine risk.
NORMAL
OSTEOPENIA
After the BMD test, you will receive two
scores, a T-score and a Z-score.
OSTEOPOROSIS
What Do My Scores Mean?
T-score: Your T-score compares your
bone density to the average bone density
that is expected for a healthy, young
person. This score is a reflection of agerelated bone loss. The T-score can be used
to determine fracture risk.
Z-score: Your Z-score compares your
bone density to the average bone density
that is expected for a person your age. This
score can help to determine whether
factors other than aging are causing bone
loss. However, the Z-score is not used to
determine fracture risk.
SEVERE
OSTEOPOROSIS
BMD is not more
than -1 SD below
the average peak
bone mass of a
young person
(30-45 years old)
BMD is between 1
and 2.5 SD below
normal (between -1
and -2.5)
BMD is greater
than 2.5 SD below
normal (-2.5) and
there have been no
fractures
BMD greater than
2.5 SD below
normal (-2.5) with
existing fractures
Building
Strong Bones
For Life
How Can I Learn More?
National Osteoporosis Foundation
Telephone: (202) 223-2226
Website: www.nof.org
Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
National Resource Center
Telephone: (800)-624-BONE
Website: www.osteo.org
What You Need To Know About
OSTEOPOROSIS
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis, or "porous bones" is a
disease that causes bones to become weak
and brittle. If not prevented or treated
properly, osteoporosis may eventually lead
to fractures, or broken bones. Any bone
can be affected, but the wrist, spine, and
hip are the most common fracture sites.
Osteoporosis is often called a "silent
disease" since a person might not notice
any symptoms until they suffer a fracture.
While osteoporosis is often due to the
normal aging process, it can also be
caused by medical problems or certain
medications, such as glucocorticoids and
anticonvulsants.
Who is Affected by
Osteoporosis?
Currently in the U.S., about 10 million
people already have osteoporosis and 34
million people have low bone mass.
Women are four times more likely than
men to develop osteoporosis; however,
men can also have osteoporosis.
While osteoporosis is often viewed as a
disease of the elderly, it can occur at any
age, in any race, and in both men and
women.
What are the Symptoms of
Osteoporosis?
How Can Osteoporosis Be
Prevented?
In the early stages, bone loss occurs
without any noticeable signs or symptoms.
However, once a person's bones become
weakened by osteoporosis, they may
experience the following symptoms:
Eating a balanced diet, exercising
regularly, and making healthy lifestyle
decisions will help to greatly decrease
your risk for osteoporosis.
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Bone Pain
Loss of Height Over Time
Stooped Posture
Fracture of the Spine, Hip, Wrist,
or Other Bones
What are the Risk Factors for
Osteoporosis?
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Female
Going Through or Being Past
Menopause
Increased Age
Caucasian or Asian
Small Body Frame or Low Body
Weight
Diet Low in Calcium or Vitamin D
Inactive Lifestyle
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Tobacco Use
Personal and Family History of
Fractures
Certain Medical Conditions Such
as Anorexia Nervosa
Certain Medications Such As
Glucocorticoids and
Anticonvulsants
Perform weight-bearing exercises on a
regular basis.
 Walking
 Jogging
 Dancing
 Hiking
 Weight Lifting
Quit smoking.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in
calcium and vitamin D.
(See accompanying table for more details)
Calcium: 1000-1500mg daily from dairy
products, vegetables, and/or supplements.
 The body loses calcium each day and


cannot make its own. So when the
body is low on calcium, it is taken
from the bones.
Calcium, whether from the diet or
supplements, is best absorbed when
taken several times a day in amounts
of 500mg or less.
Most calcium supplements, with the
exception of calcium citrate, are
better absorbed if taken with food.
Vitamin D: 400-800 IU of Vitamin D
daily is necessary for calcium absorption.
It can be obtained from sun exposure,
fortified dairy products, egg yolks,
saltwater fish, and/or supplements.
Limit intake of alcohol and caffeinated
products.
How is Osteoporosis Treated?
There are a number of prescription
medications that are approved for the
treatment
and/or
prevention
of
osteoporosis:
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calcitonin (Miacalcin, Fortical)
raloxifene (Evista)
teriparatide (Forteo)
alendronate (Fosamax,
Fosamax Plus D)
risedronate (Actonel,
Actonel with Calcium)
ibandronate (Boniva)
zoledronic acid (Reclast)
denosumab (Prolia)
Talk with your physician or pharmacist to
determine your specific needs, and to
decide which treatment options, if any, are
appropriate for you.