Has anyone had their doctor actually explain their DEXA scores?

Thank you for your post, @zelda7. In spite of asking, I’ve only had one doc give me any info about my DEXA; turned out to be incorrectly scored but not even noticed or discussed as abnormal by that doc.

Other docs have muddled through the results as though I wouldn’t understand the numbers if they were presented - or, it might just be that they don’t want to take the time to explain what the numbers mean or they hate to be the bearer of “bad” news. I rely on the DEXA analysis report published on my healthcare portal for answers. I note, virtually every time, that the analyst strongly suggests annual DEXA follow up for any score that falls into the osteoporotic but not osteopenic range. In the past, I’ve felt like I’m on a doc appointment conveyer belt and the doc is always yelling, “Next!”

So, go out and enjoy the day! Cheers!

My Dr just said I have osteoporosis -2.6 from -1.7 osteopenia. What did I do? Never even saw my z score. I asked for it, but never got it. Never even tried to find underlying causes. I had to ask for some blood test. I would never take meds unless CTX and P1NP test are done to see where I am. Not just rely on DEXA. I am going to add TBS on my next DEXA in May.

Someone had mentioned to me, using the Frax calculator to give some info on my score.
I went to a Osteoporosis/Rheumatoid Dr for my dexa report. She didnt explain anything, other than I need to ake 1000mg of calcium a day and for my numbers I would be a great candidate for Fosamax.
I told her I needed to do some of my own research with meds and get back. There was no examination, no talk about my life in general.
I haven't even started started the calcium because I see there can be problems with those too.
Im up in the air on what to do ,going to be 57 in Nov and I dont want to take meds that will causes more problems in the end .

Osteoporosis care really could use a lift ! Docs don’t seem to have much time to go into detail…though i have noticed my PCP really focuses when she really needs to…there’s a lot of info and mis-info out there—but diligent research helps-- even empowers me somewhat. After all, who knows our bodies/reactions, etc. better than ourselves ? After having CRC this past year, my personal needs with meds are different than before…I have reconstructed innards….presently trying to put together the best “program’ for my OP that I can, with PT, exercises, very carefully selected supplements and more focus on a diet that really supports bones…love the info sharing here— wish all here the best of luck !!

My rheumatologist of 10 years sat down and showed me with math about results of a DEXA. I've had these scans every 2 years in this time. Just now looking borderline osteoporosis. He explained different medications for osteoporosis, then handed me a list and I'm supposed to let him know what I want to do (!) I'm so glad to be able to read what other women have learned. I think I want more knowledge before I "prescribe my own meds"! But I do trust him and I started being less casual with calcium/vit d supplements since I started the infusions.

Anyone can ask the radiology department for a copy of you bone density report. the full report that contains pictures of your spine and hips. and t scores and z- scores To think that the doctor will go thru each number of your spinal column and both hips is not realistic I am taking Prolia and calcium citrate (not carbonate) and vitamin D3. I wish I was more persistant with taking calcium when I was younger and even now. here is ai info for z scores. A bone density Z-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy person of the same age, sex, and body size, helping to assess your risk for osteoporosis.
Understanding Z-Scores
Z-scores are derived from bone density tests, specifically Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. They indicate how your bone density compares to the average for your demographic group.
A Z-score is expressed in standard deviations (SD) from the mean. For example, a Z-score of 0 means your bone density is average for your age group, while a Z-score of -1 indicates your bone density is one standard deviation below the average.
Z-Score Ranges and Their Meanings
According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, the following ranges are typically used to interpret Z-scores: Z-score > -1.0: Normal bone density compared to peers.
Z-score between -1.0 and -2.0: Indicates lower than average bone density; may warrant further investigation for potential risk factors.
Z-score < -2.0: Significantly lower bone density; may indicate secondary osteoporosis or other underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Importance of Z-Scores Z-scores are particularly useful for diagnosing secondary osteoporosis, which can result from medical conditions or medications rather than aging alone.
They help healthcare providers determine if further testing or treatment is necessary based on an individual's specific health context. For more detailed information on Z-scores and their implications for bone health, you can refer to the full article on Medical News Today. 2 Sources

@kris1130 Kris I'm 57 as well. I do not want to take any drugs either. I'm freaking out on what to do! I have my first visit with a rheumatologist on 11/12. I live in Chicago and I was told that this rheumatologist at Illinois bone and joint is fantastic. So I will go in November and hear what she has to say if she try's to push injections immediately I will seek a second and third opinion. Scary thing for me is I've just suffered my 2nd compression fracture of my thoracic spine 6 weeks ago..

@jw9 what infusions did you decide to go with?? How long have you been taking them? Any side effects?

@nycmusic are you able to manage your osteoporosis with exercise, diet and supplements?? My nutritionist advised me to eat 1-2 cans of sardines everyday and to take 1200 mgs of calcium..

Hi, actually, I’m new to OP….and do not have really bad numbers….after treatments/ surgery for CRC,my doc didn’t want me on the often harsh meds for OP, and recommended PT, exercise, walking, good supplements and adding more calcium rich foods to diet…. It will be awhile before I know how it’s working, but will give it my reasonable best efforts…fortunately, I am not frail, haven’t lost height, have no pain, no family history, etc. — my OP may related in part to recent immunotherapy… whatever, upward and onward, love learning from others on this Mayo connect..wish you the best, too !