Bone Density Scanning: Who Needs It?

Bone Density Scanning: Who Needs It?

ROCHESTER, MINN. -- Did you know that if you're over the age of 50, you have a 50 percent chance of having an osteoporosis-related bone fracture? That's surprising news for many women. But according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, an estimated eight million women have osteoporosis and another 18 million women have bones that are thin enough to put them at risk for injury.

Fortunately, osteoporosis is a largely preventable disease, for which there is a painless, noninvasive screening test: bone density scanning. A typical bone density scan uses low-dose rays to measure the density of the bones in your hip, spine or wrist. Other testing methods include bone sonography, which transmits sound waves through your heel to measure bone density.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density scans for:* All women age 65 and older.* All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis (other than menopause). * All postmenopausal women who have had a bone fracture. * All women who would take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if they knew their bone density was low. * All women who have taken HRT for a prolonged period.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include advanced age, family history, menopause, a low-calcium diet, inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, eating disorders and use of medications such as corticosteroids or anticonvulsants.

Osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to painful injury, but it isn't an inevitable side effect of aging. Getting adequate calcium and exercise can prevent osteoporosis, and certain medications can help fight bone loss. If you're at risk for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about having a bone density scan so you and your doctor can plan an appropriate course of prevention.

Shelly Plutowski507-284-5005 (days)507-284-2511 (evenings)e-mail: [email protected]