That depends on a lot of things. The bone density peaks at about age 30 and the tests designed to look for low density compare the measures to the normal for a woman of that age.
The result is usually expressed as a "T score" which is the number of standard deviations above or below average for 30 year old woman. For women, a T score of less than -1.0 indicates "osteopenia" and osteoporosis is when the T score is -2.5 or less. This scoring system is not appropriate to apply to men.
When to treat with medications is more complicated and depends on a lot of factors. It can be reasonable to give medications to someone with osteopenia and it can also be reasonable to not give medications to other people with full blown osteoporosis.
A more direct answer to your question would be to see if the report also lists a "z-score". This is the density as compared to others of your own gender and age. 0 is average with negative numbers being below average.
If you want to get your bone density score checked out you should go see specialist. Have your doctor refer you to a bone specialist to do a bone density test on you.
A person should eat their normal diet before the bone density test. The only change that should be made to a diet is calcium supplements. Calcium supplements should not be taken before a bone density test.
If you are worried about your health and bone density, you should absolutely go to your doctor to have them check it out. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat any issues.
To help with low bone mineral density you should start by drinking more milk, and getting a calcium pill.
In the bone
Lessening of bone density, often referred to as bone loss or osteoporosis, is a condition where bones become weaker and more fragile due to a decrease in bone mass and density. This can increase the risk of fractures and breaks, particularly in older adults. Factors contributing to decreasing bone density include aging, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical activity. Monitoring and preventive measures, such as a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise, can help maintain bone health.
Generally, adult bones are stronger than elderly bones due to factors like bone density, mineral content, and overall strength. As people age, bone density tends to decrease, making bones more susceptible to fractures and breaks. However, factors like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medical care can help slow down bone density loss in older adults.
I would suggest talking to your doctor about it or a dietician. They should be able to give you all the info you need for increasing bone your density.
Osteoporosis is the name for low bone density.
No, it shows the density of the bone, People that have arthritis however are often more likely to get bone density problems because of the drugs they have to use to control the disease and often restrictions in their lifestyle may also make them more prone to bone density problems.
Photon absorptiometry measures bone mineral density by using a beam of photons that is passed through the bone to assess its density. This method is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor changes in bone density over time.
The weight and density of a person's bone structure determines their overall bone strength and susceptibility to fractures. Higher bone density is generally associated with stronger bones and lower risk of osteoporosis. Genetics, age, diet, and physical activity can all influence bone density.