Bone Mineral Density Scans

A T-score refers to your bone density compared to that of a healthy, 30-something adult. It’s determined through a special X-ray of your bones called a DEXA scan. This imaging test scans your hips, spine and sometimes wrists. A computer uses the scan to calculate the T-score, which helps doctors understand how dense your bones are, says endocrinologist Yaroslav Gofnung, MD.

A normal T-score is between 0 and -1. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 is considered osteopenia. A T-score below -2.5 is considered osteoporosis.

The lower the T-score, the higher the risk of breaking a bone. Tracking a T-score over time allows doctors to monitor a person’s response to treatment if they’ve already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. It can also help doctors determine when (or if) to start or stop treatment.

Talk to your health care provider or endocrinologist if you have any questions about a bone mineral density scan.