DEXA scan - help please interpreting my results and help with my suggested regime to improve my bone density

[SarahBa]

I would be very grateful if somebody could kindly help me to interpret my DEXA bone density results.

I am not an expert regarding this but it's clear to me I need to improve my bone density however if somebody could kindly interpret my results in more detail I would be very grateful. I think the L1-L4 may be regarding my spine? The HIP is, as the name suggests, regarding my hips which I do need to improve.

My DEXA results are:

Findings:

L1-L4: T-score +0.7, Z-score +1.0

Total left HIP: T-score -1.4, Z score -1.1

Conclusion: Assuming postmenopausal status, bone mineral density measurements shows low bone mass/osteopenia. No prior study for comparison.

I have only very recently gone through the menopause so was surprised to see my results this poor.

I would like to undertake exercise concentrated on my bone health and I believe hopping is very good so I plan to hop most days.

I have also bought a weighted vest as I am fairly light so think the weighted vest may help too.

I have got ankle weights but I don't wish to damage my ankles so if anybody can advise if these should only be used when sat down or if it's OK to wear them when walking around my house.

In terms of supplements I take vitamin D3, vitamin K2, calcium and magnesium to improve my bone health.

Overall, I do hope the hopping exercises will help but very grateful for help interpreting my results and for guidance too as to what I should do to improve my low bone mass.

Thank you.

[Met00]

You only have osteopenia in your hip, a long way off osteoporosis, with normal bone density in your spine. Your z-scores show normal bone density for your age, in fact your spine density is better than average. Unless you've had a fragility fracture despite those scores, you currently have nothing to worry about at all and your DEXA report could (should?) have been much more reassuring! We all lose bone density as we age, particularly around the menopause.

[MWZ3]

They are great results. I would love to have them. You are small which makes them even better. I think you are normal for your age. Just keep doing what you are doing with vitamin K2 etc. Don’t allow anyone to talk you into the awful drugs for this because you certainly don’t need them.

[SarahBa in reply to MWZ3]

Thank you for your reply MW23.

I think my concern was I only went through a surgical menopause in late October 2021 and had my DEXA scan in mid-December 2021 so did not expect to see osteopenia in my hip.

Also I'm not sure I would describe myself as small, perhaps even slightly taller than average for a woman. I'm five foot five/six but I agree fairly light as I only weigh 9 stone so yes a smaller overall frame maybe than most women.

I suppose I had hoped both my results would have still been in the normal range with having only gone through the surgical menopause a couple of months before my DEXA scan but what has become clear to me my doctor had no idea how to interpret the results and thank you for your helpful advice and I won't be taking any awful drugs regarding my results (however thankfully none were suggested).

[Mavary]

Your scores look fine to me. It doesn’t hurt to try and protect your bones as when you get older still that score could drop. I would say at the moment just take calcium tablets and get plenty of sunshine when you can. But please don’t worry how they are now. I wish my bone score was half as good.

[DeannaAlphi]

Hi. Your scores are very good. The T score compares your bone density to that of an average 30 year old. Heaven knows how they decide what an average score is .... because we are all so different in height and weight etc. The T scores are used as a guide to prescribe medication ...which is good for the profits of the companies who make them.

It is good to review what you can do to maintain your bone health. I spent some time using google and you tube ... made a list of what helps bones and another list of causes of osteoporosis. This made it easy to decide what I could change. I very rarely have a fizzy drink now, I eat plenty of greens(which I never had before) , I put magnesium flakes or epsom salts in my baths and use sesame seeds(which I soak in water first) in my food for my extra calcium. These are just a few things from my list of things to change.

I imagine your diet and exercise regime is pretty healthy anyway, so your "change list" may not be very long. If your scan results have caused you concern..."relax" might be top of your list. xx

[Hidden]

The ROS has a fact sheet that explains the results of DXA scans. Here is the link theros.org.uk/media/womm0us...

[SarahBa in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing the fact sheet. That has really helped me to understand my DXA scan results.