<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I have had 2 bone density tests done. They consist of a scan of your hip
bone and lower spine. No dyes. It is objective - the x-ray shows a lacy
pattern of bone where there should be dense bone matter. I had one done
because I was at risk for osteo due to long-term prednisone use. I have
severe osteo in my hips, but that could be from many factors; the
prednisone, family history, being chronically ill during my formative years
(I am 45 and started having auto-immune problems since age 15), (*all these
factors sort of determine your optimum density in the end - it is
subjective only in that manner - bone may never have been laid down 100% in
the first place, and to assume it could be reversed to that point if you
have osteo may be a bit unrealistic), or osteo could be from malabsorption.
I have no symptoms from the osteo. I take Fosamax. My dx of celiac came
about because I failed to respond to the ++calcium intake and Fosamax
therapy; the osteo had stayed in my hip bone - no better no worse - and it
had not spread to the lower lumbar region of my spine The rheumatologist
said failure to respond to therapy is sometimes due to undetected celiac
disease - she had other patients who boned up after switching their diets
to gluten-free. I still take Fosamax, ++ calcium, and I am now on a
gluten-free diet. I haven't had a third bone density test yet to see if the
diet is helping, but it has helped in many other ways, though, so I am
assuming it is a contributing factor. The test is just an extravagant form
of x-ray - no pain at all. Good luck. (I think even if no osteo is found in
your bone density test - it makes for a good benchmark in your later years,)