| Your T-score: | What it Means*: |
|---|---|
| 0 to −0.9 | Bone mass is normal |
| −1.0 | Bone mass is 10% below average |
| −1.5 | Bone mass is 15% below average |
| −2.0 | Bone mass is 20% below average |
| −2.5 or lower | Bone mass is 25% or more below average |
|
*
Relative to the average bone mass of healthy, young premenopausal women with a T-score of 0.0- Risk of fracture can vary with age.
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The above chart helps illustrate the T-score and provides a guide to know when to begin discussing treatment options with your doctor.
Understanding Your T-score
Understanding your T-score can help you and your doctor take appropriate action.
You may receive a T-score for each area tested. Therefore, you should discuss the results with your doctor.
Think of a T-score as a way to describe the percentage of bone loss. A T-score above 1.0 indicates normal bone mass. A T-score of 2.0 means there has been about a 20% loss of bone density. If you have a T-score of 2.5 or less (that is 2.6, 2.7, and so on), you have osteoporosis.
To understand how serious this can be, consider that a T-score of 2.0 to 2.4 at the hip puts you at 7 times the risk for fractures and 5 times the risk for spine fractures compared with a healthy young adult female with a T-score of 0.0; the lower the score, the greater the risk (which also increases with age). Having a low T-score today doesn’t mean you can’t improve your score the next time. You can...if you take action now.
Learn about treating and managing osteoporosis.
Return to “How Is Osteoporosis Detected?” home page.
Selected Cautionary Information About FOSAMAX and FOSAMAX PLUS D
You should not use FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D if you have certain disorders of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth with the stomach), are not able to stand or sit upright for 30 minutes, have severe kidney disease, low blood calcium, or are allergic to FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D. Before use, talk to your doctor if you have or have had stomach or digestive problems or problems with swallowing. You should tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. In addition, for FOSAMAX PLUS D, you should talk to your doctor if you have conditions that may cause an overproduction of vitamin D (eg, sarcoidosis, leukemia, lymphoma).
Stop taking FOSAMAX or FOSAMAX PLUS D and call your doctor right away if you develop new or worsening heartburn, difficult or painful swallowing, or chest pain because these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems, which can include irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the esophagus. (See the Patient Product Information for more details.) If you develop severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain at any time, contact your doctor. FOSAMAX AND FOSAMAX PLUS D may cause jawbone problems in some people. Jawbone problems may include infection, and delayed healing after teeth are pulled. Digestive side effects in studies were generally mild and included stomach pain, indigestion/heartburn, or nausea.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.