Check Your Risk of Osteoporosis With a Bone Density Test

Bone density tests let you to know if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Not that long ago, the only way osteoporosis could be detected was after you broke a bone. But by then, your bones were probably already very weak. These days, bone density tests, also known as densitometry or DEXA scans, can diagnosis osteoporosis or are the risk of developing it long before you break any bones.

If the mineral content in your bones is high, that means they are dense. Dense bones are strong and there's less chance of breakage. Bone density tests utilize X-rays to detect calcium and other minerals present in the bone. The results will let you know how your bone mass compares to other people of your gender and age and what your risk of developing the condition is.

It's suggested that you have a bone density scan if you are over the age of 65, or over 60 and experiencing any symptoms of osteoporosis. Bone density tests are usually performed two years apart so they can measure any change.

People of Caucasian and Asian origin are most at risk of developing osteoporosis. Women are four times more likely to have the condition, so if your doctor recommends one, you're best to follow his or her advice. If you are in a high risk category, don't put off having a bone density test performed.

Bone density tests can reveal a lot about bone mass, but they can't tell you why your bone density is low. For that, you need a complete medical history and a physical.

Bone density tests are typically performed on bones which are more vulnerable to breakage from osteoporosis. This includes the lumbar vertebrae near the base of your spine, the femur bone near the hip, and the bones in your forearms and wrists.

The equipment used to test bone density will be either a large machine on which you lie down, or a smaller, portable machine that measures density on the edges of your bone structure, like your heel, wrist or finger. These portable machines are sometimes available in a pharmacy so you can get tested without having to visit your doctor.

The result of a bone density test is a T-Score which let you known how you compare to a young adult of the same gender. Zero indicates that you have the bones of a 30 year old. Anything above -1 is considered acceptable. A score of -1 to -2.5 puts you in the category of having pre-osteoporosis or osteopenia. Under -2.5 is considered to be fully developed osteoporosis.