Bone mineral densitometry a portion of the time regarded to as a bone density test, is designed to detect whether you have osteoporosis, a word that comes from Greek and literally means ‘porous bone.’ While having this condition, your bones get weak and thin. They become more likely to break. It is a silent condition, and that means you feel no symptoms.
Without undergoing a bone density test, you could fail to realize that you have osteoporosis until you break a bone. In this regard, it always pays off to understand how this test works before choosing anything. Likewise, that is what this simple guide will help with promising you unravel today.
In a nutshell, the bone density test is painless and quick. It estimates how dense or thick your bones are by using X-rays. The X-rays measure how much calcium and minerals are in a part of your bone. The more minerals you have, the better. What this simply means is that your bones are stronger, denser and less likely to break. The lower your mineral content, the greater your choice of breaking a bone in a fall.
It is important to note that basically anyone can get osteoporosis. It is more common among older women; however men can have it as well. Your chances increase as you age. You should discuss with your medical practitioner whether you need the test. The doctor could recommend bone mineral densitometry if you’re a woman 65 or older, you’re a postmenopausal woman 50 or older, or you’re a woman at the age of menopause and have a high chance of breaking bones.
You’d be stunned to learn that a couple of types of prescription drugs can cause bone lose. They would incorporate glucocorticoids, a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation. Tell your medical practitioner if you’ve been on cortisone, dexamethasone, or prednisone.
With bone mineral densitometry test, it examines the bones in your spine, hip, and forearm. These are the bones that are most likely going to break when you have osteoporosis. The 2 types of bone density tests take less than 15 minutes and incorporate Central DXA and Peripheral test. Understanding how these tests work go a long way in guaranteeing you prepare yourself fully for anything that lies ahead.
Since you have an insight into what bone mineral densitometry entails why not consider consulting your medical practitioner before the test?