I was only diagnosed less than 2 weeks ago, so I don't understand a lot of it. I had another DEXA scan 9 years ago. They compared my test results now with the previous one, and at the rate of loss I have experienced in the last 9 years, they have predicted that I have a 10 probability of a 20.6% chance of a major fracture and 2.8% chance for a hip fracture. I also have osteoporosis in my neck and lower back. It says "The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends therapy with anticompetitive therapy if these values are greater than 20% or 3 %, respectively ." I'm slightly over 20% for the first number and slightly under 3% for the second. Did you have a previous scan they are comparing it with? I'm reading up on all of this on the internet. Can you ask your doctor to explain more about it? My doctor is referring me to someone else (I don't know what title they have) to go over the prescription options, but from what I've read, they all have side effects and I don't want to take any of them.

After researching calcium, I ordered and just received Osteo MD for my calcium and Vitamin D3 needs and plan to start walking and lifting small weights to try to help strengthen my bones.

I don't know if this helped you much. I'm still trying to figure it out, too. My advice is to read up on internet and try to talk to your doctor again. Good luck!

Lorna,

Thank you for the reply. I do understand what T scores and Z scores are, but I would like to know exactly what they mean. Does a T score of -3.2 mean I have a 90% chance of a spinal fracture within the next 10 years or what?? How bad does the score need to be before I need to go on medication. I was on Prolia for one shot and then read up on all of the side effects--seems they are much worse than the disease itself. I mean, how can a medication that is supposed to help build bone also cause thigh bone fractures??

Anyway, my Rheumatologist was not able to fully explain all of this.

Good luck!!

I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis one week ago and have been reading information about it on the internet. Someone else may explain it better than me. A T score of -2.5 or more means you have osteoporosis in that area. A zero score is good bones, a +1 is super great bones. After 30 years of age, we start losing bone density. I had a score of -1.1 nine years ago. I now have -3.6 in my lower spine (it hurts constantly now), a -2.9 in my left hip, and left neck is -2.4. My doctor wants me on a prescription, but I'm concerned about possible side effects that if have read about.

"The T score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of a healthy 30 year old of the same sex. The Z score is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of an average person of the same sex and age. A Z score below -2.0 is a warning sign that you have less bone mass (and/or may be losing bone more rapidly) than expected for someone your age."

I’m 55 with a similar score. Scared.

Thank you all for posting and sharing.