Osteoporosis is a disease that is characterised by a low bone density and of average bone quality. It develops without the appearance of any symptoms or pain unless a fracture occurs and it is usually detected in the hip, spinal cord or in the wrist. The Osteoporosis Test or otherwise known as bone density measurement, is a test that allows us to determine the degree of bone strength, assess the present state of the bones and more specifically the risk of osteoporotic fractures appearing. With the exception of individuals suffering from certain diseases (eg taking cortisone, undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy) bone density measurement in particularly beneficial for all women after menopause, especially those who are about to go through a hormone replacement therapy.
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Who should take the bone density measurement test?
The American National Osteoporosis Foundation states that the bone density measurement test should be taken if:
- You are a woman over the age of 65
- You are a man over the age of 70
- You are 50 years old and you had a bone fracture
- You are a woman in menopause with risk factors of osteoporosis
- You are a post menopause woman under the age of 65 with risk factors of osteoporosis
- You are a man 50-69 years old with risk factors of osteoporosis
A bone density measurement might also be deemed necessary if any of the following is applied to you:
- You had an x-ray of the spinal cord which indicated a fracture or loss of bone mass
- You had back pain with potential fracture in the bones of your spinal chord
- You lost 1.3 centimeters and over in height within a year
- You had a total loss of 4 centimeters from your initial height