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Menopause
Bone Mineral Density Test
A
bone mineral density (BMD) test measures the mineral density
(such as calcium) in your bones using a special X-ray, computed
tomography or CT scan, or ultrasound. From this information,
an estimate of the strength of your bones can be made. Calcium
is constantly being added to and taken away from bone. When
calcium is taken away faster than it is added, the bones
become lighter, less dense, and more porous. This makes the
bones weaker and increases their risk of fracture. Loss of
bone mass occurs as part of the natural process of aging.
Bones naturally become thinner (called osteopenia) as you
grow older, because existing bone is broken down faster than
new bone is made. As this occurs, the bones lose minerals,
heaviness (mass), and structure, making them weaker. With
further bone loss, osteopenia develops into osteoporosis.
The thicker your bones are, the longer it takes to develop
osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis can occur in men, it
is most common in women older than age 65. Regular X-rays
cannot detect mild bone loss. A bone must lose at least a
quarter of its weight before a regular X-ray can detect the
problem.
Controversy
exists over which bones are best to use for BMD measurements. The bones most commonly used are those in the
lower spine and hip. These bones generally have the greatest
amount of bone loss and are at the highest risk of fracture.
In special cases, bones in the wrist may be used. Ultrasound
testing is done on the bone in the heel. If your bone density
is lower than normal, you can take steps to increase your bone
strength and reduce your risk of fracture. Some ways to increase
bone density and strength include taking calcium and vitamin
D supplements, doing weight-bearing exercise (such as walking),
weight training (such as lifting weights or using weight machines),
and using medications such as calcitonin (Miacalcin), alendronate
(Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), raloxifene (Evista), teriparatide
(Forteo), or hormone replacement therapy (usually for women
past menopause).
Bone mineral density is measured to:
- Detect the presence of osteopenia if you have risk factors
for developing osteoporosis.
- Detect osteoporosis. Signs of osteoporosis include an unexpected
fracture, loss of height, and bone changes seen on regular
X-ray pictures.
- Monitor treatment for osteoporosis.
Bone density of women who are older than age 65 for osteoporosis.
Women younger than 65 may be screened for osteoporosis if they
have certain risk factors that indicate screening may be beneficial.
A
bone mineral density scan is usually done in the hospital
radiology department by a technologist. Peripheral dual-energy
X-ray absorptiometry (P-DEXA) machines are portable units that
can be used in a doctor's office.You will need to lie on your
back on a padded table. You can usually leave your clothes
on. You may need to lie with your legs straight or with your
lower legs resting on a platform built into the table. The
machine will scan your bones and measure the amount of radiation
they absorb. The DEXA technique, which scans the hip and lower
spine, takes only about 20 minutes to perform. Other techniques
may take 30 to 45 minutes.
A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures the mineral density
(such as calcium) in your bones using a special X-ray, computed
tomography (CT) scan, or ultrasound. Results of bone mineral
density tests can be reported in several ways. Your T-score
is your BMD compared to the average score of a healthy 30-year-old.
It is expressed as a standard deviation (SD), which is a statistical
measure of how closely each person in a group is to the average
(mean) of the group. The average BMD is determined by measuring
the bone density of a large group of healthy 30-year-olds (young
adult reference range). BMD values are then reported as a standard
deviation from the mean of this reference group. About 90%
of people have a BMD value within 2 standard deviations of
this mean.
A negative (–) value indicates that you have thinner bones
(lower bone density) than an average 30-year-old. The more
negative the number is, the less bone density you have compared
with an average 30-year-old.
A positive (+) value indicates that you have higher bone density
than an average 30-year-old.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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