Dexa Scan What Your Results Mean
You have your Dexa scan results, T score numbers and Z score numbers, you have ( + ) and/or (- ) and you have been told you have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, but is seems a bit confusing.
You can understand your dexa scan results, and understanding those results is important if you are serious about strengthening your bones. You need to understand exactly where you are NOW if you want to be somewhere in a year or so.
Ask for a copy of your tests results, if you have not done so already. It really helps to see the images since the light spots will show where you have lack on bone density. Very motivating! Keep your copies from your Dexa scan each year to you can see if you are progressing in slowing down your bone loss.
You want to know how to read the Dexa scan report, and what it means.
The column marked BMD gives your bones mineral density - the number of grams per centimeter of bone. Numbers of +1.0 or above are good.
The column marked T score shows how your bone density compares with women in their 30’s, the peak bone density years when it’s highly unlikely that you would suffer a fracture. Scores between -1.0 and -2.5 indicate Osteopenia (thin bones). Less than -2.5 indicate Osteoporosis(porous bones). And -3.0 shows serious Osteoporosis.
The column marked Z score compares your bone mineral density with others your own age.
Now, you may be thinking, “Well I am OK when compared with people my own age. Why should I care how I compare with someone 30 year old?” Why should I worry about my T score? You should as I didn’t at first either.
When I began researching Dexa scans and Osteopenia and Osteoporosis fracture I realized the the T score was very important.
Aim to increase your BMD and your T score, you can increase your bone density if you take action now. Don’t wait, I’m not saying that your bones will be like when you were 30, but you can slow the bone loss down.
Continue with your bone health journey and make stronger bones! It can be done ladies!
Until next time, have a wonderful day and I hope this information helped you understanding your Dexa scan.
Cecilia