bone mineral density
the amount of bone tissue either within the entire skeleton or within a portion of the skeleton; a major, but not the only, determinant of resistance to fracture.
calcitonin
a man-made hormone that is also found naturally in people, other mammals, and some types of fish and birds. Like all hormones, calcitonin is a chemical messenger; it helps regulate normal blood calcium levels and reduces progressive bone loss.
calcium
a mineral that plays an essential role in development and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. Calcium supplements are often recommended for women who have or are at risk of developing osteoporosis.
cortical bone/ trabecular bone
bone is composed of mainly 2 types of tissues—a harder, outer bone (cortical) and a softer inner material (trabecular). The softer tissue breaks down and rebuilds faster than the outer portion and is more vulnerable to the effects of osteoporosis. The hip, spine, and wrist bones have a higher percentage of trabecular bone than others and are the most common to break due to osteoporosis.
corticosteroids
drugs that are primarily used to suppress inflammation; long-term use may cause osteoporosis.
dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA)
a diagnostic test used to assess bone density in the spine, hip, or wrist.
estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)
administration of hormones (human or synthetic) that help compensate for the decrease in estrogen production at menopause; used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
femoral neck
the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) close to the hip joint; a common site of osteoporotic fractures.
kyphosis
curvature of the spine characteristic of osteoporosis; also known as "dowager's hump."
low bone mass (osteopenia)
bone density at the spine or hip between 1.0 and 2.5 standard deviations below the average for healthy young adults (T-score between -1 and
-2.5); can be a precursor to osteoporosis.
normal bone mass
bone density at the spine or hip within 1 standard deviation of the average for healthy young adults (T-score above -1).
oophorectomy
the surgical removal of the ovaries; causes premature menopause, may increase risk for osteoporosis.
osteoporosis
a disease associated with a gradual thinning and weakening of bones; thin and weakened bone is at greater risk for fractures; bone density 2.5 or more standard deviations below the healthy young adult average (T-score at or below -2.5) at the spine or hip.
peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (pDXA or pDEXA)
a diagnostic test used to assess bone density in the heel or wrist; this portable test is often used in doctors' offices.
salmon calcitonin
a man-made hormone that is also found naturally in people, other mammals, and some types of fish and birds. Like all hormones, calcitonin is a chemical messenger; it helps regulate normal blood calcium levels and reduces progressive bone loss. Salmon calcitonin is the active ingredient in MIACALCIN® (calcitonin-salmon) Nasal Spray; it is available via a nasal spray for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
standard deviation
a mathematical calculation for how far a measurement varies from the average.
trabecular bone/cortical bone
bone is composed of mainly 2 types of tissues-a harder, outer bone (cortical) and a softer inner material (trabecular). The softer tissue breaks down and rebuilds faster than the outer portion and is more vulnerable to the effects of osteoporosis. The hip, spine, and wrist bones have a higher percentage of trabecular bone than others and are the most common to break due to osteoporosis.
T-score/Z-score
the results of a diagnostic test used to assess bone density (see dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). The T-score describes how the measured bone density compares to that of healthy young adults and the Z-score compares how the measured bone density compares to the average of persons of the same age as the person being tested.
ultrasound
a diagnostic test used to assess bone density in the heel using sound waves.
vitamin D
factor essential for absorbing calcium from food; fortified milk and exposure to sunlight are sources of vitamin D.
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