DEXA Scan. I can't understand my Z score

[halfandhalfchipsandrice]

I believe the Z score is the important one as it's comparing women of the same age as me.

Lumber spine "the z score is 0.1 which is 98% of age predicated"
Left femoral neck "the Z score is 0.1 which is 98% of age predicated"

Does this mean that I am within 98% of what other women my age have re bone density?

Does it say "predicted"?

If it's 0.1 it means that your bone density is what is considered to be normal for your age, in fact very slightly better.

It's possible to have low bone density (osteopenia) or very low bone density (osteoporosis) and yet still have a "normal" Z score, depending on your age.

Did you also receive T scores?

@Bellabomb This is what I don't understand. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis 8 years ago after breaking a bone.

Edited to say I didn't copy previous report properly and the figures are minus.

This report says...bone mineral density in lumbar spine is 0.946 which gives a t score of -1.9. This is osteopenic. Z score is - 0.3 which is 96% of age predicted.

Bone mineral density left femoral neck is 0.783 ..T score of -1.6. Z score is - 0.1 which is 98% of age predicted.

Comment: bone density is in the osteopenic range.

Compared to previous exam of 2018 has been significant (2.5%) increase in lumbar spine bone dens and significant (4.1%) increase in total hip bone density.

How could I have gained such a percentage? I'm 67.

Also if I'm with 96% and 98% of age predicated does that mean almost everyone my age has osteoporisis?

It means it's normal I think. If it's like a T score. 0 is normal and then minus 2.5 or lower is osteoporosis. Mine is minus 4.7 in my hip. 😞

I don’t think it is a gain per se. Presumably you have had treatment so your loss relative to the general population in the age group has reduced. The treatment has stabilised your osteoporosis progression.

I've been on Alendronic acid - but I don't think that actually adds density does it? I thought it just strengthened the bones.

Sounds like everyone else has got weaker but you haven't.

What were your t scores previously? It does appear that you have improved your bone density yes, as your current t scores show osteopenia, not osteoporosis. Alendronic acid can help to reverse osteoporosis if you make lifestyle changes alongside. It slows down bone loss which gives your body the chance to build new bone as well, if you are doing the right things (and don't have other contributory health conditions.)
And yes, the majority of 67 year old women will have some degree of bone loss, which explains your z score.

The Dr has written under all of the scores
"This is osteopenic according to WHO classification"
and finished with COMMENT: Bone density is in the osteopenic range.

I can't remember my previous scores am going to rake about and find them.