Osteoporosis: The Silent Disease That DEXA Can Catch Early

Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it progresses without symptoms until a bone breaks. By then, significant bone loss has already occurred. A 10-minute DEXA scan is the only reliable way to detect it early.

The Scope of the Problem

• **10 million Americans** have osteoporosis
• **44 million** have low bone density (osteopenia)
• **2 million osteoporotic fractures** occur each year in the US
• **1 in 2 women** and **1 in 4 men** over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis
• Hip fractures in the elderly have a **20% mortality rate** within one year

These aren't just statistics — osteoporosis-related fractures are life-changing events that can end independence and mobility.

What Is a T-Score?

Your DEXA scan results are reported as a T-score, which compares your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old:

• **Above -1.0:** Normal bone density
• **-1.0 to -2.5:** Osteopenia (low bone mass — not yet osteoporosis, but bone is thinning)
• **Below -2.5:** Osteoporosis
• **Below -2.5 with a fracture:** Severe osteoporosis

The DEXA scan measures your lumbar spine and hip — the two sites most vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures.

Who Should Be Screened?

Routine screening recommended for: - All women age 65 and older - All men age 70 and older - Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors - Men age 50-69 with risk factors

Risk factors include: - Family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture - Low body weight (under 127 lbs) - Smoking - Excessive alcohol use - Long-term corticosteroid use - Rheumatoid arthritis - Early menopause (before age 45)

Prevention and Treatment

Building and maintaining bone health: - Weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, dancing, weight training) - Adequate calcium (1,000-1,200 mg daily from food and supplements) - Vitamin D (600-800 IU daily; many people need more) - Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol - Fall prevention strategies for older adults

When medication is needed: If your T-score indicates osteoporosis or high fracture risk, medications like bisphosphonates can slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk. Your doctor will use your DEXA results to guide treatment decisions.

Monitoring With DEXA

If you're diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, follow-up DEXA scans every 1-2 years track whether bone loss is progressing, stabilizing, or improving with treatment. It's the only objective way to measure treatment effectiveness.

Schedule Your DEXA Scan

DEXA screening is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans for eligible patients. The scan takes 10 minutes and uses minimal radiation. Call (727) 398-5999 to schedule.