Bone density testing: what to expect and how to prepare
About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over 50 will break a bone because of weak bones. A bone density test is the fastest way to know where your bones stand. It’s simple, painless, and the results tell your doctor whether you need lifestyle changes, supplements, or medicine.
How the test works and what the numbers mean
The most common test is a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). You lie on a table while a scanner passes over your hip and spine. The scan takes 10–20 minutes and uses very low radiation—less than a chest X-ray. You don’t need to fast. Just avoid wearing jewelry and metal over the scanned area.
Results come as a T-score and sometimes a Z-score. A T-score above -1.0 is normal. Between -1.0 and -2.5 is called osteopenia (mild bone loss). A T-score of -2.5 or lower means osteoporosis. Z-scores compare you to people your age and are useful for younger patients.
Who should get tested and how often
Doctors commonly recommend testing for women 65+ and men 70+, but you may need it earlier if you have risk factors: long-term steroid use, early menopause, low body weight, tobacco or heavy alcohol use, family history of fractures, or certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. If you’re on treatment for osteoporosis, repeat scans are usually done every 1–2 years to see if the medicine is helping.
If your score indicates bone loss, options range from lifestyle steps to prescription drugs. Simple moves—daily calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol—help slow bone loss. Medicines like bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate, often known by brand names such as Fosamax) are used when bone loss is significant or fractures have occurred. Always talk with your doctor about the pros and cons before starting any drug.
Practical prep tips: wear loose clothes without metal, bring a list of current meds, and take prior bone scan reports if you have them. Tell your provider if you recently had a barium test or contrast imaging—those can interfere with results. Expect a clear, numeric report and a short conversation about next steps at your follow-up.
Bone density testing is a tool, not a verdict. It helps you and your doctor make smart choices early—often before a fracture happens. If you’re unsure whether you need a test, ask about your risk factors and what a DEXA could reveal for your future mobility and independence.
