A bone mineral density (BMD) test also known as bone mineral densitometry evaluates your bone health. It measures how much calcium and different minerals your bones have. Medical practitioners utilize the test results to determine your risk of fracturing a bone. They also may utilize them to diagnose osteoporosis. All women and females north of 65 ought to select bone mineral densitometry tests.
You could consider how a decrease in bone density becomes. Indeed, bone formation and obliteration go on all through your life. As you age, the rate of bone obliteration may be higher than the rate of formation. This can decrease bone density and make porous and weak, leading to osteoporosis. Having weak bone can increase the risk of bone fracture even with a minor fail. Bone mineral densitometry measures the strength of your bone.
The most common types of BMD test will generally utilize X-rays. These BMD tests are called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) tests. DEXA scans utilize small, safe portions of radiation to check your bones out. You may also have a vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) along with a DEXA test. A VFA really takes a look at your spines for fractures.
All in all, what is the reason for a BMD test? All things considered, your healthcare supplier may really take a look at your bone density to really take a look at your risk of fracturing a bone, diagnose osteoporosis, and measure how well osteoporosis treatment is working.
Experts recommend bone mineral densitometry for women or individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who are older than 65 and men or individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) who are older than 70. Things are the same for individuals more youthful than 65 with a high risk of bone fractures.
Among the most notable factors that can increase your risk of bone fractures include: eating disorders that lead to low body weight, kidney disease, premature and early menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Regardless of your age, sex, or fracture risk, your healthcare supplier may also recommend a bone density test on the off chance that you have experienced a significant drop in hormone levels, fractured a bone previously, take certain medications, such as steroids, long-term or lost 1.5 inches or more in your height.
Keep in mind, bone mineral densitometry test sends low portions of radiation to your bones. These radiation portions calculate how much calcium and different minerals you have in each section of bone. This calculation is called bone density.