Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

Also known as: BMD, Bone density, T-score

A measure of how much mineral (mainly calcium) is packed into bone, used to judge bone strength. It's measured by a DEXA scan and expressed as a T-score, which classifies bone as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis.

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of how much mineral — mainly calcium — is packed into your bones, which reflects how strong they are. It's measured painlessly with a DEXA bone density scan.

The result is usually given as a T-score: -1 or above is normal, between -1 and -2.5 is osteopenia, and -2.5 or lower is osteoporosis. BMD falls faster around menopause as estrogen declines.

Related terms

Estrogen Osteopenia Bisphosphonate