Measuring Your Bone Health

What is bone density testing?
It’s a way of measuring the strength of your bones by testing how dense they are.

Bones may get less dense for several reasons.
It’s a natural process that starts in midlife. But for some people, it can start earlier (due to certain medical treatments, for example).

Osteoporosis is a disease that increases bone loss.
Bones become thin and brittle. That can result in:

• Loss of height or a hump on your back
• Chronic pain
• Loss of movement caused by fractures
• Higher risk of hip fractures   — which can have fatal complications.

Bone density testing can help:

Show if you have or may get osteoporosis
Then, your health-care provider can recommend ways to help prevent more bone loss and strengthen weak bones.

Show if you are at risk for fractures
You can take steps to minimize this risk and preserve your health.

Monitor your treatment
This helps your health-care provider check your progress.

Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans.

Bone density testing  can detect osteoporosis in it’s  early stages which can result in more effective treatment.

Do I need a bone density test?

You might, if:
You’re a woman past menopause – especially if menopause was early or caused by surgery.

You have a condition or are taking medications that can weaken bone, such as:

• Cushing’s syndrome and diabetes
• Corticosteroids and thyroid medications.
• You’ve had a fracture after a minor mishap.
• X-rays show there might be a problem with your bones.

You have risk factors, including:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• A woman aged 65 or older
• Diet low in calcium
• Smoking, heavy drinking or lack of exercise.

What happens during a bone density test?
There are several different tests, but they all provide the same information.  And, they’re all:

Painless and safe
There’s very little risk involved with any bone density test. (Be sure to tell your health-care provider if you’re pregnant. )

Simple
For example, you may simply lie on a table or place your arm inside a machine.

Quick
Testing usually takes about 5-20 minutes.

Testing results and treatment
If results show too much bone loss, your health-care provider will suggest treatments to stop the bone loss or strengthen bones.

Treatment could include:

• Medication
• Calcium supplements and vitamin D, and/or diet changes
• Special exercises
• Quitting smoking or cutting alcohol use
• Tips to reduce risk of injury.

Talk to your health-care provider about the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment.

How often do I need testing?
Most people only need a test every few years.  But, you health-care provider may order test more often (to monitor treatment, for example).