Should You Get a Bone Mineral Density Test? Hope AR

Affecting more than 10 million Americans, osteoporosis can lead to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. Fortunately, a bone mineral density (BMD) can help detect osteoporosis in its early stages so that treatment can begin. What exactly does this test entail? At what age should you get this important test, and how often should it be repeated?

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), "A bone mineral density test uses a special machine to measure bone density. Some people also call it a bone mass measurement test. This test lets you know the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone."  Your physician uses this measurement to evaluate whether you need treatment for osteoporosis. Certain people are at more risk for developing osteoporosis than others.  These include people who are small and thin, of older age, female, or who consume a diet low in calcium and vitamin D. Also at higher risk are those who smoke and drink excessively.

According to NOF, physicians may also recommend a bone mineral density test for:

• Women age 65 or older,
• Men age 70 or older
• Postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• Men age 50-70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• Men and women after age 50 who has broken a bone
• Women going through menopause and/or postmenopausal women who have stopped taking estrogen therapy (ET) or hormone therapy (HT)

Additional risk factors include:..

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