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Osteoporosis is a silent disease. You cannot see or feel your bones getting thinner. |
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Risk
assessment is the first step in taking an active role in the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. To find out about
your personal risk factors for osteoporosis, click on the appropriate
NYSOPEP Osteoporosis Risk Assessment: for "Premenopausal Women", for "Postmenopausal Women or for "Men". |
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A
bone mineral density test (BMD test) is the only way to accurately
determine if you have osteoporosis before a bone breaks. A BMD test is
a quick, painless, low-dose x-ray that measures the density or
thickness of your bones. |
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If
you have access to dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and
spine, it is the preferred method to measure bone mineral density. |
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If
you are at risk for osteoporosis, it is recommended to get a bone
mineral density test when you reach the appropriate stage in life. |
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Guidelines
have been established to determine who should have a BMD test. The
decision to have a BMD test should be made in collaboration
with your doctor or medical professional. |
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There are two scores used by experts to interpret your BMD results, the T-score and the Z-score. |
