Is Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Testing recommended for premenopausal women?
In general, BMD testing is not indicated for women before menopause. There are currently no medications approved for osteoporosis prevention or treatment in healthy premenopausal women. There are a few instances, however, in which BMD testing might be recommended in premenopausal women. Long-term use of steroids or glucocorticoids is the most common of these instances. The most common diseases requiring steroid treatment in young women are asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. In selected cases, medication for osteoporosis might be appropriate in these women. Alendronate (Fosamax) is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis caused by the use of steroid medications. Risedronate (Actonel) is approved for both the prevention and treatment of steroid-induced osteoporosis. See “FDA-Approved Medications for Osteoporosis Prevention and/or Treatment” (C-14). Other possible candidates who might warrant further evaluation of skeletal health inc
