Want to learn more about osteoporosis prevention? Read on to find out how you can prevent bone loss and debilitating fractures by making some simple lifestyle changes.

What is my personal risk of osteoporosis?

Bone loss with osteoporosis is a result of both genetic and environmental factors. To prevent osteoporosis or to stop bone loss, you must first understand your personal risk of osteoporosis.

Here's how to strengthen and protect your bones. First learn about osteoporosis risk factors. Then take charge and change those risk factors you can control. Also, depending on your specific risk factors, talk to your doctor about a bone density test.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Osteoporosis Risk Factors: Are You at Risk?

What's a bone density test for osteoporosis?

A bone density test measures a small part of one or a few bones to evaluate the strength of your bones and potential risk for osteoporosis. The bones most commonly measured by a bone density test include the hip, the spine, and the heel.

The most widely used bone density test is the DXA test of the hip and lower spine. DXA stands for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The DXA test is painless and takes about 10 minutes. It uses only a fraction of the radiation needed for a chest X-ray. Your doctor can order the DXA bone density test and give you your T-score, which represents the overall strength of your bone.

A T-score is a measurement of how you compare to young adults of the same sex and race. If you fall below average, the T-score will be a negative number. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass, a condition called osteopenia, which is mild thinning of bone. It is not, however, as severe as osteoporosis. A T-score below -2.5 (for example, -3) indicates your bone mass is more than 2.5 times thinner than that of a young adult. This is a sign that you have osteoporosis.

For more information, see WebMD's Bone Density Tests.

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