A bone mineral density (BMD) test also known as bone mineral densitometry evaluates your bone health. It measures how much calcium and other minerals your bones have. Medical practitioners use the test results to determine your risk of fracturing a bone. They also may use them to diagnose osteoporosis. All women and females over 65 should opt for bone mineral densitometry tests.
You might wonder how a decrease in bone density comes to be. Well, bone formation and destruction continues throughout your life. As you age, the rate of bone destruction may be higher than the rate of formation. This can decrease bone density and make porous and weak, leading to osteoporosis. Having weak bone can increase the risk of bone fracture even with a minor fail. Bone mineral densitometry measures the strength of your bone.
The most common types of BMD test tend to use X-rays. These BMD tests are called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) tests. DEXA scans use small, safe doses of radiation to look at your bones. You may also have a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) along with a DEXA test. A VFA checks your spines for fractures.
So, what is the purpose of a BMD test? Well, your healthcare provider may check your bone density to check your risk of fracturing a bone, diagnose osteoporosis, and measure how well osteoporosis treatment is working.
Experts recommend bone mineral densitometry for women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are older than 65 and men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB) who are older than 70. Things are not any different for people younger than 65 with a high risk of bone fractures.
Among the most notable factors that can increase your risk of bone fractures include: eating disorders that lead to low body weight, kidney disease, premature and early menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Regardless of your age, sex, or fracture risk, your healthcare provider may also recommend a bone density test if you have experienced a significant drop in hormone levels, fractured a bone previously, take certain medications, such as steroids, long-term or lost 1.5 inches or more in your height.
Remember, bone mineral densitometry test sends low doses of radiation to your bones. These radiation doses calculate how much calcium and other minerals you have in each segment of bone. This calculation is called bone density.
