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BONE DENSITY
What is a Bone Density Scan?
This is a scan that measures the calcium content in the bones. The scan will measure your bone mineral density (BMD) and compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background.
Why it's important to know your T-score?
A bone density scan gives you a T-score that helps determine whether you're at risk for fractures. A T-score compares your bone density to the bone density of a healthy, young adult woman. A T-score of -2.5 or lower is defined as osteoporosis. The lower the score, the greater your fracture risk can be.
Do you know your T-score?
Factors that may increase a woman's risk for osteoporosis include:
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Inactivity |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Calcium deficient diet |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Reduced estrogen levels (caused by removal of the ovaries and/or menopause) |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Heredity |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Smoking |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Caffeine and alcohol consumption |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Symptoms include: |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Lower back pain |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Gradual height loss |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Rounded shoulders |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Stooped posture |
![](/images/bullet.gif) | Bone fractures |
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