How to read your bone mineral density (BMD) test
One way to measure the health of your bones is through a bone density test. In the US, bone density tests are recommended for all women over 65, and for all women under age 65 who have several risk factors. In fact, many people start their calcium routine after getting the results of a bone density test. But you don't have to wait. Start taking Os-Cal now to help maintain strong healthy bones now and in the future. Ask your doctor if a bone density test makes sense for you.
The most commonly used test is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It involves lying on a table for 10-20 minutes while a low-dose X-ray beam scans your spine, hip or both. The test involves no pain and no known risk other than minimal radiation exposure.
Bone density tests compare bone mass with a national average for women in their late 20s. If you're over age 40 and your bone mass is equal to that average, your bones are strong and healthy. The calcium in Os-Cal® helps slow the aging process of bones at the cellular level. If you take a bone density test, you'll see if you have strong, healthy bones.
How to read your results:
Bone Density Measurements*
| Normal: |
Bone density is within 1 Standard Deviation (+1 or -1 SD) of the young adult mean |
| Osteopenia (low bone density): |
Bone density is 1 to 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD) |
| Osteoporosis: |
Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (> -2.5 SD) |
| Severe (established) Osteoporosis: |
Bone density is more than 2.5 SD below the young adult mean, and there has been one or more osteoporotic fractures |
* As defined by the World Health Organization