How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

    Written by:
    Brady Holmer, Marina Shkayeva

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Osteoporosis is diagnosed using bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of the spine or hip via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. A BMD that is 2.5 standard deviations or more below the reference value indicates osteoporosis.

    Osteoporosis is diagnosed by bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine or hip, which is measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. A normal BMD is no more than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the average or reference value. Osteopenia (low bone mass) is 1-2.5 SDs below the reference and osteoporosis is 2.5 SD or more below the reference BMD value.[1]