T-score vs. Z-score - Osteoporosis Message Board

phylwill1152 · 08-31-2006, 08:22 AM

Which number do you feel is a better indicator of bone health? The T score which measures you against much younger women or the Z score which is from your own age group? I ask because by my T-scores I have osteoporosis in both lumbar spine (-2.9) and femoral neck (-2.7) , osteopenina in my hips (-1.9). By the Z-score i am under -2 in all three areas. Just curious as to what you all think. Take care...phyllis

taape · 08-31-2006, 08:02 PM

The T score is what is used by the medical professionals. I'm not even sure why they rate the Z score as it just makes it very confusing for patients.

peregrine · 09-01-2006, 05:23 AM

I decided to put more weight on the Z score. Why compare my bones with a 20 year old?

phylwill1152 · 09-01-2006, 07:22 AM

Hi peregrine, I tend to agree with you, and since none/most of us don't know what our density was at 20 we really have no guidelines to go by. Have you read the book the Myth of Osteoporosis? I read it and came away with a new understanding. I'm still going to try and do all i can to improve the t-scores, but knowing i'm in the same ballpark as women my age helps. takes care...phyllis