Brief Answer:
bone demineralization

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the T-score compares your bone density with bone densities of young (normal) individuals. The Z-score compares your score with individuals of your age (normal too). This means that your bones have starting loosing minerals (calcium salts). Osteoporosis is defined as a T-score of -2.5 or lower (eg -3.0, etc). Distinct parts of your femur may have lost more calcium than other parts and you may have an osteoporotic score locally while other parts have kept more calcium (and a better score). -1.8 is the overall score. I can't say without the full report...

When there is no osteoporosis we usually encourage the patient to receive appropriate amounts of calcium which should be 2-3 servings of dairy products every day or calcium supplementation if the patient cannot 'tolerate' them (for example some individuals cannot drink milk without getting abdominal discomfort and diarrhea).

When the score gets lower than -2.5 then treatment for osteoporosis is instituted. There are some treatment options and the patient's history helps to decide which one to pick. Your doctor may also consider treating you with drugs if your bones locally have less minerals (lower score) than normal particularly if your estimated fracture risk is high. Your doctor may should also take into account your wishes (treatment or no treatment).

Overall your score is not great but it's not that bad either. It means that you need to be careful by staying physically active and taking the required amount of calcium and also checking certain indices like vitamin D and perhaps also parathormone (your doctor will judge that) that may cause bone demineralization. Other potential investigations depends on your medical history so I can't go any further into it.

I hope this answers your question. Please cancel your other identical question to me so you can avoid being charged twice.

Best Regards!

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Brief Answer:
1200mg per day

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

I'm sorry for the delayed response but it's only now that a very busy day comes to an end. I've seen your reports. They're not as detailed as I wished they were but they do have the necessary parameters that a doctor requires to estimate the risk of a future fracture. Actually they've included the estimation which is probably based on the FRAX score, a very well-known scoring system for individuals assessed for fracture risk.

The reduction (expressed in %) probably takes into account your previous tests. It just shows that your bones are less well capable of handling external forces to the point that there is a low-moderate risk for a major osteoporotic fracture. In such cases your doctor may suggest treatment but you should know that we expect benefit (avoiding a fracture) in only 8-10% of patients. More patients may experience side effects. Serious side effects are not very frequent though.

Regarding calcium supplementation, a female of your age should receive approximately 1200mg of calcium every day. A portion of yogurt contains about 1/3 of the daily requirements so 2 servings should be OK because other food will also contribute to your daily intake. 3 servings should be more than enough. If you can't stand dairy products though then supplementation is the only way to accomplish adequate intake. I usually prefer my patients to receive the calcium requirements naturally (by eating calcium containing food) instead of supplements.

An orthopedics specialist is the right specialist to evaluate your tests but your primary care physician should also be able to guide you through this.

Please get back to me if you need further assistance.
Best Regards!

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Brief Answer:
this is the recommended intake

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

This is neither the minimum nor the maximum; it's the recommended intake. Taking more calcium won't result in additional benefits. A balanced diet is important from every aspect. It's no different with osteoporosis. Too much protein won't be better for your bones but taking the appropriate amount of protein through a balanced diet would be beneficial.

Resistance training may indeed help with bone density and is recommended unless other disorders prevent you from engaging in it. Physical activity is generally encouraged.

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