This Health Alert is intended for readers interested in learning about the prevention, diagnosis, and management of osteoporosis. A test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is the most accurate way to tell how solid your bones are – and it requires less radiation than a regular x-ray.
Osteoporosis has no symptoms, and many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. Tests that measure bone density can diagnose osteoporosis and detect osteopenia before fractures occur.
A test called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) is the most accurate way to tell how solid your bones are. DEXA scans use two x-ray beams powerful enough to measure bone density at the hip and spine -- the areas where people with osteoporosis are most likely to suffer a fracture -- and yet require less radiation than a regular x-ray.
Other types of bone density tests are also available. All are associated with minimal discomfort and risk. The type of test your doctor performs may reflect a balance between your needs and the availability of testing equipment in your area.
Currently, widespread osteoporosis screening for premenopausal and perimenopausal (around the age of menopause) women is not recommended. However, certain individuals should seek screening.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), all women age 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis, as well as all perimenopausal women who are considering osteoporosis treatment, have additional risk factors for osteoporosis (such as use of corticosteroids or a family history of osteoporosis), or have sustained a fracture.
The NOF recommends bone mineral density testing for all men older than age 70. Younger men between the ages of 50 adnd 70 only need such testing if they are at high risk for osteoporosisis.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also recommends routine screening for all women age 65 and older; routine screening should begin at age 60 for those women identified as high risk for osteoporosis. The USPS does not have an osteoporosis screening recommendation for men.
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