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Bone Density
Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
The Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test may be one of the most important tests you'll take. That's because it's the best way to tell if you have thinning bones.
It's important to understand what to expect during and after a BMD test so you can take advantage of all the options available to protect your bone health.
Why Women Need a BMD Test.
Millions of women in the United States have thinning bones. In fact, thinning bones affects over half of all women over 50. What's more, it's a "silent disease," with no visible symptoms. That means you could have thinning bones and not even know it.
Why Your Doctor Prescribed a BMD Test
Your doctor may have schedules your BMD test for a number of reasons. If you're postmenopausal, your may be at increased risk for bone loss. In fact, one third of a woman's lifetime bone loss can occur in the first 5 years after menopause. In addition, if you recently discontinued hormone therapy (HT), significant bone loss can occur within 12-15 months after you stop HT and can continue thereafter. So it's important to monitor your bone health with a BMD test. |
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The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NFO) lists several risk factors that can contribute to thinning bones or osteoporosis. These include family history, Caucasian (white) or Asian descent, thin build, amoking, infrequent exercise, too many daily alcholic or caffeinated beverages, or too little calcium and vitamin D. Be sure to discuss your risk factors with your docotor
The BMD Test. Simple. Quick. Painless.
Compared to many test women take, the BMD test is a breeze. It's a touch less scan, similar to an x-ray, so it's painless. You don't have to undress, so it's simple. And the test is over in just a few minutes, so it's quick. It may be just a DEXA test while the arm of the arm of the machine scans over your body, just like the picture shown above. It's just that easy.
Two Types of BMD Test
Peripheral machines measure your finger, wrist, or heel. These exams are typically used as an initial screening; however, there are some disadvantages. Peripheral test do not measure the bone density on the hip and spine, which are the areas of concern if they break due to osteoporosis. Also, these tests are not especially sensitive, so they tend to under report your bone density. If a peripheral test indicates your bones are thinning, you may need a more comprehensive exam called a DEXA test |
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DEXA tests measure your hip, spine, or total body. These test are considered the "gold standard" in measuring your bone health. The DEXA test is a highly sensitive scan, and is more comprehensive than the peripheral machines so results are more accurate. This makes the DEXA scan the best way to tell if you have thinning bones. The test is easy to take; you just lie down and the machine scans over your body in just a few minutes.
T-score: the result of Your BMD Test.
The result of your BMD test is called a T-score; you should know your score and what it means. Your T-score compares your bone mass with a population of normal young adult women. The bigger the negative number, the lower your bone mass. For example, a T-score of -2.0 means your bone mass is 20% below normal. The chart below helps illustrate what the T-scores mean (from a DEXA test only).
If
your T-score is -1.5 or below, you may be a candidate for treatment
options that help reverse bone loss. The NOF recommends treatment if
your T-score is -1.5 or lower with additional risk factors, and for
T-scores of -2.0 or lower without risk factors. Your doctor has
information about treatment options for thinning bones; all you have to
do is ask.
Follow-Up BMD Tests.
Because
bone loss is a natural part of the aging process and tends to
accelerate after menopause, it's important to talk with your doctor
about monitoring the health of your bones with a BMD test every 2
years. In addition, if you are already taking treatment for thinning
bones, a BMD test if a good way to measure your progress. Be sure to
talk to your doctor about scheduling follow-up test. |
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