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.
What is a T-Score?
The T-score in bone density testing is a number that is calculated by comparing your bone mineral density (BMD) to the average BMD of healthy young adults (typically age 25–35) of your same sex and ethnicity. The difference between your BMD and this average is measured in standard deviations (SD), and this result is your 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.
Example T-Score report
Here is an example of what your T-score report may look like:
T-Score Interpretation
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.
T-Score and Osteoporosis
As stated above, if any of the scores in the first yellow box were lower than - 2.5, that would indicate osteoporosis.
How a T-Score is calculated
You’ll notice that the T-Score chart says “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?
Who should get a DEXA scan?
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 about their bone loss.
Where to get support for your bone density
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, calcium 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 program several times a year to help answer all these questions and establish a solid exercise plan. 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,
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