What is a T-score?

T-score on your report

On the report you'll see a T-score for the spine and hip. MedlinePlus lists:

• normal: -1.0 or higher
• low bone density (osteopenia): between -1.0 and -2.4
• probable osteoporosis: -2.5 or lower

A small minus number is common; what matters is how far below zero you are.

What a T-score tells your doctor

The lower your T-score, the weaker the bone and the higher your chance of a fracture.

It is the score used for women after menopause and men over 50; younger women get a Z-score instead, which compares you with people of your own age.

Knowing your T-score:

• helps you and your doctor decide whether diet and exercise are enough or whether you need further treatment
• gives you a baseline to track over the years

What moves your T-score

Your T-score moves slowly, over years.

To protect it:

• Eat calcium-rich foods every day, such as milk, dahi, paneer, ragi and til.
• Keep protein in every meal.
• Get some safe sunlight for vitamin D.
• Do weight-bearing and strength exercise, like brisk walking, climbing stairs and resistance bands, which signals your bones to stay strong.

Cutting down on alcohol and stopping smoking help too, and a home made safe from falls protects the bones you have.