Men and women aged over 50 with risk factors may need a bone mineral density test (called a DEXA).
Ask your doctor for a bone scan today.
ASSESS YOUR RISK BEFORE OSTEOPOROSIS OCCURS
Early detection is key. Talk to your doctor about assessing your risk of broken bones. Your doctor can arrange to test your bone mineral density, or BMD, which is assessed with a DEXA scan. The results will help the GP to know if you need to take action to improve your bone health. Talk to your doctor about getting a DEXA scan to assess your bone health.
WHAT IS A DEXA SCAN?1
DEXA STANDS FOR “DUAL-ENERGY X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY”.
It is a test that measures the density of your bones in the spine and hip – which are the bones most affected by osteoporosis. The result of the scan is called a T-score, which helps to diagnose osteoporosis and determines if you are at risk of future fractures. DEXA scans are available in most hospitals, medical imaging facilities and there are even mobile DEXA providers.
WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE A DEXA SCAN?
Bone density scans are an important tool that helps doctors to diagnose osteoporosis, as it gives them a way to assess your future risk of fractures.
A DEXA scan will help your GP to decide if they need to take action to improve your bone health.
WHAT DOES THE SCAN SHOW?
The scan will provide a result called a T-score – this compares your bone density score with the average score of healthy young adults.
This score will determine if you have normal bones, low bone density (also called osteopenia) or osteoporosis. It will help to guide your treatment needs and monitor your progress over time.
MY BMD T-SCORE – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?1
BMD T-SCORE
RESULT
ACTIONS
YOU SHOULD TAKE
–1 or
above
Healthy
bone
Maintain
bone health
Do regular weight-bearing exercise and have a healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
Between –1 and
–2.5
Osteopenia
Visit your doctor for
a plan to minimise further bone loss
Your doctor will look for causes of low bone density and assess your fracture risk. If you have
already broken a bone, an osteoporosis medicine may be started.
–2.5 or
lower
Osteoporosis
Visit your doctor to
start treatment to reduce fracture risk
Your doctor may start treatment with specific osteoporosis medicines and ensure you have adequate
calcium and vitamin D levels.
ARE YOU AT RISK OF OSTEOPOROSIS? CHECK NOW!
Answer the quick poll and then visit your doctor for a complete osteoporosis assessment.