Why Have a Bone Density Test?
Your bone density exam can tell you and your doctor if you are at risk for osteoporosis, and what treatments may be necessary to combat bone loss. What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens the bones and can make bones fragile enough to break. One out every two women over the age of 50 is affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects women primarily but it can occur in men too. Am I at risk? Women who have Caucasian or Asian ancestry are more at risk than Hispanic or African-American women. Women who have small frames with low body weight are also at higher risk, as are women who experience early menopause, have a family history of osteoporosis, or are not on Estrogen Replacement Therapy. Both men and women who have had bone fractures as adults, receive glucocortoid steroid therapy, have impaired rental function or some stomach/intestinal disorders may be at risk and should consult their physician about whether a bone density test is appropriate at this tim
