Women in this age group are at high risk for losing bone density, which can lead to fractures. You may also be at risk for low bone density if you:. There are different ways to measure bone density. The most common and accurate way uses a procedure called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, also known as a DEXA scan.
The scan is usually done in a radiologist's office. You may be told to stop taking calcium supplements 24 to 48 hours before your test. Also, you should avoid wearing metal jewelry or clothes with metal parts, such as buttons or buckles. A bone density scan uses very low doses of radiation. It is safe for most people. But it is not recommended for pregnant woman.
Even low doses of radiation could harm an unborn baby. Be sure to tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Bone density results are often given in the form of a T score. A T score is a measurement that compares your bone density measurement with the bone density of a healthy year-old. A low T score means you probably have some bone loss. If your results show you have low bone density, your health care provider will recommend steps to prevent further bone loss. These may include:. Although not everyone who has low bone mass will develop osteoporosis, low bone mass is an important risk factor for osteoporosis fractures.
As a person with low bone mass, you can take steps to help slow down your bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in your future. Your doctor will want you to develop — or keep — healthy habits such as eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, or dancing. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis: If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, these healthy habits will help, but your doctor will probably also recommend that you take medication.
Several effective medications are available to slow — or even reverse — bone loss. If you do take medication to treat osteoporosis, your doctor can advise you concerning the need for future BMD tests to check your progress. The U. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women age 65 and older should have a bone density test. Postmenopausal women who are younger than age 65 and at increased risk of osteoporosis — as determined by a formal clinical risk assessment tool — should also have a BMD test.
Due to a lack of available evidence, the Task Force did not make recommendations regarding osteoporosis screening in men. This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here.
See the topic Osteoporosis for more information on bone density testing. If you are at increased risk for fractures caused by osteoporosis, routine screening should begin sooner. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and when to start bone density screening.
The FRAX tool can help predict your risk of having a fracture related to osteoporosis in the next 10 years. You can use this tool. Go to the website at www. If you have had a bone density test on your hip, you can type in your score. If you have not had that test, you can leave the score blank. Information for men. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and whether bone density screening is right for you. Experts disagree about whether to screen men for osteoporosis and which types of men are more likely to benefit.
Men are also at risk if they have low levels of the hormone testosterone. Talk with your doctor if any risk factors apply to you. Low bone density is treated by taking steps to keep it from progressing to osteoporosis and, for a few people, by taking medicine.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the bone loss that leads to low bone density and osteoporosis. What you eat is very important to bone development.
Calcium is the most critical mineral for bone mass. Your best sources of calcium are milk and other dairy products, green vegetables, and calcium-enriched products.
Your doctor may also want you to take a calcium supplement, often combined with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and other minerals. It is found in eggs, salmon, sardines, swordfish, and some fish oils.
It is added to milk and can be taken in calcium and vitamin supplements. In addition to what you take in from food, your body makes vitamin D in response to sunlight.
Exercise is important for having strong bones, because bone forms in response to stress. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, hiking, and dancing are all good choices. Adding exercise with light weights or elastic bands can help the bones in the upper body. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about starting an exercise program. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
With bone loss, the outer shell of a bone becomes thinner and the interior becomes more porous. Normal bone is strong and flexible.
Osteoporotic bone is weaker and subject to fracture. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.
Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.
Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:. Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing clothes with zippers, belts or buttons. Leave your jewelry at home and remove all metal objects from your pockets, such as keys, money clips or change.
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