BMD Full Form- Bone Mineral Density

What is BMD? The full form of BMD is Bone Mineral Density. A bone mineral density test, also known as a bone density test, is used to determine if you have osteoporosis, which is a Greek word that literally translates to "porous bone."

Your bones become thin and feeble when you have this ailment. They start to break more frequently. Because it is a quiet ailment, you are symptom-free. You cannot become aware of your osteoporosis until you break a bone if you don't get a bone density test. 

The test for bone density is rapid and painless. It uses X-rays to determine the thickness and density of your bones. The amount of calcium and minerals in a particular area of your bone is measured using X-rays. It's preferable to have more minerals than less. This indicates that your bones are more resilient, thick, and unlikely to shatter. Your risk of fracturing a bone in a fall increases with decreasing mineral content.

Osteoporosis may strike anyone. Although it's more frequent in older women, it may also affect men. As you get older, your odds grow. Prescription medication side effects include bone loss. 

Glucocorticoids, a type of medication intended to lower inflammation, would be among them. Inform your physician if you have used prednisone (Deltasone), dexamethasone (Baycadron, Maxidex, Ozurdex), or cortisone (Cortone Acetate).

Who is at risk?

Consult your physician about whether the test is necessary for you. If any of the following conditions are met, they could suggest it:

• You're a female over 65.
• You're a 50-year-old or older postmenopausal lady.
• As a woman going through menopause, you run the risk of fracturing bones.
• You are a female who has undergone menopause, under 65 years of age, and you have other factors that increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.
• You're a male over 50 with additional risk factors.
• After fifty, you break a bone.
• More than 1.5 inches have been taken off your adult height.
• You now have a more stooped posture.
• You have a backache for no apparent reason.
• You are not menopausal or pregnant, but your periods have stopped or are erratic.
• You received a transplant of an organ.
• Your levels of hormones have decreased.

How do I prepare for a BMD test?

• Take no calcium supplements the day before the test.
• Wait seven days before undergoing a central DXA if you've recently received an injection of barium or contrast dye for an MRI or CT scan. Your bone density test might be affected by the contrast dye.
• Steer clear of clothing with metal buttons, belts, or zippers.

Taking the exam carries very little risk. You are not exposed to as much radiation as you might be on an aircraft ride or a chest X-ray.

How often is a BMD test required?

You should anticipate having a bone density test every one to two years if you are on medication for osteoporosis.

Your doctor might advise getting a bone density test every two years, even if you don't have osteoporosis, particularly for women going through or following menopause.

How does the BDM test work?

The test for bone density is rapid and painless. It uses X-rays to determine the thickness and density of your bones.

The amount of calcium and minerals in a particular area of your bone is measured using X-rays. It's preferable to have more minerals than less. This indicates that your bones are more resilient, thick, and unlikely to shatter. Your risk of fracturing a bone in a fall increases with decreasing mineral content.

Typically, the examination looks at your forearm, hip, and spine. When you have osteoporosis, these are the bones that fracture the most frequently. The two types of testing are the peripheral test and the central DXA test.