For postmenopausal women and men age 50 years and older, the T-score is the number that is used for diagnostic classification, as follows: A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal bone density. Examples are 0.9, 0 and -0.9. A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 means you have low bone mass or osteopenia.
A T-score of 1 to 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD) indicates low bone mass. A T-score of 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (more than -2.5 SD) indicates the presence of osteoporosis.
Exercise
Just 30 minutes of exercise each day can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, and even walking, help the body resist gravity and stimulate bone cells to grow. Strength-training builds muscles which also increases bone strength.
In females 65 years of age and older at baseline screening, with a T-score of -1.50 to -1.99 at any site, and with no risk factors for accelerated bone loss, we will typically perform a follow-up dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in three to five years.
Osteoporosis — People with osteoporosis have a T-score of -2.5 or less. Larger numbers (eg, -3.0) indicate lower bone density because this is a negative number. The lower the bone density, the greater the risk of fracture.
In some cases, a T-score can be improved. However, it depends on where your score falls within the risk range and your lifestyle. Building up your bone density may involve taking medications as prescribed, eating plenty of foods that contain calcium and vitamin D, and exercising regularly.
If you are a woman 65 or older, a bone density test is recommended, with a repeat test generally performed two years after the initial test, although this interval may change depending upon any treatments being administered.
The ACPM recommends measurement of BMD (DXA) in: Women age 65 and older. Men age 70 and older. Younger postmenopausal women and men aged 50 to 69 years with additional clinical risk factors for fracture.
According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, you should have a bone mineral density test if you are a: Woman aged 65+ Woman of menopausal age with risk factors. Postmenopausal woman under age 65 with risk factors.
Using the WHO definition of osteoporosis, the prevalence in the US of osteoporosis in Caucasian postmenopausal women based on the lowest bone mass at any site is estimated to be 14% of women aged 50-59 years, 22% of women aged 60-69 years, 39% women aged 70-79 years, and 70% women aged 80 years or greater(ref 3).
Daily suggested calcium intake for adults
Adult men 51-70 years: 1,000 mg. Adult women 51-70 years: 1,200 mg. Adults 71 years and older: 1,200 mg. Pregnant and breastfeeding teens: 1,300 mg.
Everyone's risk for osteoporosis fractures increases with age. However, women over the age of 50 or postmenopausal women have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis.
A normal T-score falls between +1 and -1. Scores between -1 and -2.5 indicate low bone density, also called osteopenia. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates an established case of osteoporosis.
A bone density test cannot be taken at home.
Bone loss begins to occur at an approximate rate of 0.25% a year and is variable depending on many genetic and environmental factors. This may be considered the second stage towards osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. It is important to understand that this is a perfectly normal part of the aging process.
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This leaves the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. Women are 4 times more likely to get osteoporosis than men because of a decrease in estrogen after menopause.
For women, the figure was 26.4 years for those beginning treatment at 50 and 13.5 years for those beginning treatment at 75.
Early warning signs of osteoporosis include low bone density, bone fractures, lost height, a curved upper back, sudden back pain, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, and a fracture while pregnant. If you experience these warning signs, speak with your healthcare provider about a bone density test.
If you have osteoporosis, don't do the following types of exercises: High-impact exercises. Activities such as jumping, running or jogging can lead to fractures in weakened bones. Avoid jerky, rapid movements in general.
Osteoporosis is not reversible, but medication, a nutrient-dense diet, and weight bearing exercise can help prevent further bone loss and rebuild bones.