Screening recommendations for Men
Screening for osteoporosis is mostly done using bone density testing such as DXA scanning. This is a type of X-ray that involves minimal radiation exposure. It is the most reliable method used. Other screening tools include pDXA, ultrasound and QCT.
For a DXA, you lie on a table while the X-ray detects your bone density. The test does not require sedation. It is not associated with any discomfort. The X-ray detector sends information to a computer. The computer calculates results and reports them as a T and Z score. The T score values compare your bone to young adults.
A T score higher that -1 can be interpreted as normal bone density.
A T score between -1 and -2.5 is interpreted as osteopenia (decreased bone density but not osteoporosis).
Scores lower than -2.5 are considered osteoporosis. If you have fracture, then you are called established osteoporosis.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends BMD screening for prostate cancer patients who undergo chemical or surgical removals of gonads.