A safe T-score is generally considered to be above -1. This indicates a healthy bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.
Understanding T-Scores
A T-score is a measure of bone density, which is used to assess your risk of osteoporosis. It compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex.
- T-scores above -1: Healthy bone density.
- T-scores between -1 and -2.5: Osteopenia, which means lower than normal bone density.
- T-scores below -2.5: Osteoporosis, which means significantly lower bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
Factors Affecting T-Scores
Several factors can affect your T-score, including:
- Age: Bone density naturally declines with age.
- Sex: Women tend to have lower bone density than men.
- Race/ethnicity: Some racial and ethnic groups have a higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Lifestyle: Factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can negatively impact bone density.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, can affect bone health.
Importance of Bone Density Testing
Regular bone density testing is crucial for monitoring bone health and identifying any early signs of bone loss. This allows for timely intervention and preventative measures to reduce the risk of fractures.
