This article will explain bone density testing and detail what a Z-score means.
This technology passes both high- and low-intensity X-ray beams through various bones to determine their overall mass.
Usually, the scan takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
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Who Should Get Tested?
The same group also concluded thatpostmenopausal womenunder age 65 should also have their bones screened.
This is because after menopause, a person haslowerestrogen levels and is at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
The current research is mixed on whether screening for osteoporosis is beneficial in men.
Several risk factors elevate your likelihood of getting osteoporosis and could necessitate earlier testing.
These include:
What Is a Z-Score?
After you have completed a DEXA test, a healthcare provider will typically discuss your results with you.
You may be given a Z-score for the evaluated bones during this conversation.
This comparison helps establish the overall strength of the structures that were tested.
Causes of Secondary Osteoporosis
Several health conditions and medications can lead to secondary osteoporosis.
This is considered to be the gold standard screening tool when diagnosing osteoporosis.
This data point is valuable when screening for secondary osteoporosis.
Certain medications can also be responsible for this bone deterioration.
Regular weight-bearing exercise and resistance training can also be beneficial.
A Z-score of zero indicates that your bone density is equivalent to that of a healthy, age-matched individual.
The closer your score is to zero, the better the overall health of your bone is.
Scores that are 2.0 standard deviations or more beneath this age-matched average are considered to have secondary osteoporosis.
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