Health Reflection Home

Do You Need a
Bone Mineral Density Test?

Ten million Americans have osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to weaken and break more easily. Both men and women can develop osteoporosis, but women face a much higher risk. Other risk factors include:

• a family history of osteoporosis;
• calcium or vitamin D deficiency;
• lack of exercise; and
• smoking and excessive drinking.

“Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they fracture a bone,” said Todd Hockenbury, M.D., orthopaedist at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. “For this reason, it often is called the ‘silent disease.’” But research suggests that a bone mineral density (BMD) test might help.

The Women’s Center at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital uses a form of X-ray technology called a DEXA scan, which is today’s established standard for measuring BMD. It is a quick, safe and painless test.

Some health organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, advise BMD testing for all women age 65 and older.