OSTEOPOROSIS T SCORES AND BONE DENSITY TESTS
Osteoporosis T scores measure bone mineral density by using x-rays to scan the spine and hips. Stomach Acidity tests also provide guidance when developing an osteoporosis treatment program.
It is recommended that women have a baseline bone scan when they reach perimenopause (menstrual irregularity occurring usually between 45 and 55) or earlier if they are at risk from the use of certain medications. Men should request a bone density test at age 70 or earlier if using corticosteroids or prostate cancer drugs.
Osteoporosis T scores indicate the standard deviations below the mean bone mineral density (BMD) of a young adult female. The accepted guidelines for T scores are as follows:
Bone density tests focus on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including:
...and sometimes the bones in your wrist and forearm. Bone loss does not occur equally amongst these sites-so a doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medication that targets one area more effectively than another.
A reduced BMD is one of many factors to be taken into account when assessing the risk of fracture. The existence of previous low-impact fractures, certain medical conditions, a family history of osteoporosis and a person's risk of falling are also important considerations before designing a treatment program.
As an effective bone building program will take 1.5-2 years to improve bone density, most health insurance plans will only pay for tests every two years...and some are moving to three year intervals.
BONE DENSITY TESTS DXA TEST The most common bone density test is called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This test involves lying on a table for several minutes while a small x-ray detector scans your spine, one hip, or both. The test is safe and painless and does not require any injections or any other discomfort. You receive a very small amount of radiation from a DXA test, approximately the same amount you are exposed to if you fly from coast to coast in North America.
BMD TEST Bone densitometers (the machines that perform the test) are available on a limited basis across Canada, and thus, individuals who are suspected to be at high risk are generally given priority for this testing. Like any other diagnostic test, you must be referred to a diagnostic facility by a physician. If you are monitoring your bone density, try to re-test on the same BMD machine whenever possible.
BONE TURN-OVER TESTS There are also blood/urine tests that that will allow you to measure how much your bone is building up and how much it is breaking down and at what speed. These tests are covered by most medical plans in Canada and are particularly useful between DXA tests to determine if your bone-building program is working. Most provinces now cover DXA tests every two or three years.
NTX or CTX The NTX (n-telepeptide) and CTX (c-telopeptides) Osteomark tests measure the bone-breakdown in your urine. PYD or DPD PYD (pyridinium) and DPD (deoxypyridin) urine tests can indicate an increased or decreased rate of bone-breakdown.
FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool)
The World Health Organization's on-line calculator, called FRAX, predicts a patient's ten-year risk for an osteoporosis-related bone fracture. The calculator is simple, easy to use and free for everyone.
Sufficient stomach acid is important for breaking down and absorbing calcium. But for most people, stomach acid decreases with age. A simple pH test strip will help you to assess and monitor your stomach acid.
Readers may also be interested in "The Myth of Osteoporosis" which argues that osteoporosis T scores create undue alarm by ignoring bone quality and the natural aging process.
To learn about calcium and vitamins that help to improve osteoporosis T scores...visit Osteoporosis Treatment Guidelines.
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