What is a T-score, and what does it mean?
DEXA scans can have an overwhelming amount of confusing information on them. I want to focus on the T-score, the main piece of information you need to know from your DEXA scan.
What is a DEXA scan? A DEXA scan, or DXA scan, is short for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It's basically a bunch of X-rays done back to back to create a one big picture of your bone. Once this picture is made, it is compared to a database of other DEXA scans and assigned a score - the T-score.
You will likely see several T-scores on your report.
✔️One score from your femur (DualFemur). This is your thigh bone.
✔️One score for your (femoral) neck. This is the top of your thigh bone, the most common area of hip fracture
✔️One score from your lumbar spine (AP Spine). This combined score is from your L1 (first lumbar vertebrae) to your fourth lumbar vertebrae, L4. This is your lower back.
Here is an example of what your T-score report may look like:
The first yellow highlighted box is the T-score report, and the second yellow highlighted box is the reference table.
All three T-score numbers in the first yellow box are below -1.0 and above -2.5, indicating that they fall into the osteopenia category.
If any of the scores in the first yellow box were lower than - 2.5, that would indicate osteoporosis.
Why does the chart say T-score Young Adult?
The T-score compares your bone mass to that of a young adult with normal/peak bone mass. You will notice there is also a Z-score. The Z-score, which compares your bone to that of someone your same age.
The T-score is what is used to determine how far off your bone density is compared to a young adult with maximal bone density. In other words, how has your bone aged?
DEXA scans are currently recommended for women beginning at age 65, or earlier for women with risk factors. I promote getting a DEXA scan close to the menopause transition, to establish a baseline. I have seen too many women find out they have fairly advanced osteoporosis at 65, which they could have addressed for a decade if they had known.
What should you be doing if you don’t know your bone density and you are worried? Start eating right and exercising! Weight training, protein, Vitamin D, and finding ways to have fun will help your bones.
I lead a group of women through a five-week Strong Women, Strong Bones Jumpstart several times a year to help answer all these questions and get a solid exercise plan established. I would love to have you in my next group. Get on the waitlist today.
I hope you find this helpful.
Keep moving and stay strong,