Testing: DXA Bone Density Scan(osteoprosis)

Testing: DXA Bone Density Scan

Your doctor may recommend a bone mineral density test if:

• You’re over 50 and have broken a bone
• You are a woman over 65, or a man over 70
• You are in menopause or past menopause and have risk factors
• You are a man age 50-69 with risk factors

DXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry) uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone density in the hip or spine. The test takes less than 15 minutes.

Testing: What Your T-Score Means

Testing compares your bone mineral density (BMD) with that of a healthy 30-year-old, since that's when bone mass is at its peak. The results come as a T-score in these ranges:

• -1.0 and higher is normal bone density
• Between -1.0  and -2.5 shows low bone density (osteopenia) but not osteoporosis
• -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis

As your bone density decreases, your T-score gets lower.

Treatment: Bone-Boosting Drugs

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be prescribed a biophosphonate: Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, or Reclast. They can reduce bone loss and fracture risk and may actually help build some bone density. Those taken by mouth can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers in the esophagus, acid reflux, and nausea. Injectable bisphosphonates, given one to four times a year, can cause brief flu-like symptoms. Bisphosphonates may increase risk of jaw bone death.

Treatment: Hormones

Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that slows bone loss.  Two synthetic versions, Miacalcin and Fortical, are used against osteoporosis. Given as a nasal spray or injection, they can slow bone thinning in postmenopausal women and reduce risk of spine fractures. Side effects include a runny nose, headache, back pain, or nosebleed. The injection may cause flushing, nausea, allergic reactions, or skin rashes. Forteo, a synthetic parathyroid hormone, requires daily injections and actually builds new bone. Leg cramps and dizziness have been reported with Forteo use



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