Key takeaways
- Women 65 and older should be screened.
- Younger women and men with risk factors may need testing too.
- A T-score of minus 2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.
- Treatment decisions use your full fracture risk, not just one number.
What is a bone density test?
A DEXA scan uses a very low dose of x-ray to measure bone strength at the hip and spine. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt.
Who should get tested
- All women 65 and older
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
- Men with risk factors, often starting around age 70
- Adults who broke a bone from a minor fall
- People on long-term steroids or hormone-blocking cancer treatment
- People with conditions that cause bone loss, such as high parathyroid hormone
Understanding your T-score
| T-score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Minus 1 or higher | Normal |
| Between minus 1 and minus 2.5 | Osteopenia (low bone mass) |
| Minus 2.5 or lower | Osteoporosis |
Your doctor may also use FRAX, which estimates your 10-year fracture risk, to decide whether medicine is needed.
Next step
Learn more on our page about Osteoporosis care in Chicago, or get in touch to request a visit.
From the practice of Dr. Mahwash Siddiqui, MD, DABOM, FACE
Triple board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist in Chicago. This article is for general education and is not medical advice.