| Bone
Density Test
Some women are
at greater risk for osteoporosis - the decrease of bone mass and density
as a result of the depletion of bone calcium and protein - than others.
Your physician can help you determine your risk of developing osteoporosis
by taking your personal and family medical history, and by performing
a bone density test or bone mass measurement.
What
is a bone density test?
A
bone density test, also known as bone mass measurement or bone mineral
density test, measures the strength and density of your bones as you
approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later,
can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density.
These tests are painless, noninvasive, and safe. They compare your
bone density with standards for what is expected in someone of your
age, gender, and size and to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy
young adult of the same gender. Bone density testing can help to:
- detect low
bone density before a fracture occurs.
- confirm a diagnosis
of osteoporosis if you have already fractured.
- predict your
chances of fracturing in the future.
- determine your
rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment if the
test is conducted at intervals of a year or more.
What
are some reasons for having a bone density test?
If
you have one or more of the following risk factors for osteoporosis,
you may want to consider having a bone density test:
- You have already
experienced a bone fracture that may be the result of thinning bones.
- Your mother,
grandmother, or another close relative had osteoporosis or bone
fractures.
- Over a long
period of time, you have taken medication that accelerates bone
loss, such as corticosteroids for treating rheumatoid arthritis
or other conditions, or some anti-seizure medications.
- You have low
body weight, a slight build, or a light complexion.
- You have a
history of cigarette smoking or heavy drinking.
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