Finding Out

Finding Out If You Have Osteoporosis

The diagnosis of osteoporosis begins with a thorough medical history, including questions about osteoporosis and fractures in yourself and other family members. Your physician will evaluate you for signs and symptoms of possible fractures and may order specific tests, including x-rays if a fracture is suspected, and bone density measurement. The information obtained from this assessment will determine whether or not you have osteoporosis. One of the most important tests in making the diagnosis is the measurement of bone density.

In general, your physician may advise you to have a bone density test if you are-

A postmenopausal woman under the age of 65, who has one or more additional risk factors for osteoporosis (besides menopause).
A woman aged 65 or older, regardless of additional risk factors
A postmenopausal woman who has just sustained a fracture ( to help determine disease severity)
A woman who is considering therapy for osteoporosis, if bone density measurement would help you make a final decision.
A woman who has been on hormone therapy for a long time.

Your physician may also recommend a bone density test if you are-

A woman or man beginning or already on glucocorticoid medication.
A woman or man with a condition or disease that affects bone health
A woman or man currently being treated for osteoporosis to monitor therapy

Bone Density Testing:
A Fast, Simple Examination

Your bone densitometry (otherwise known as a DEXA scanner) examination may be the easiest medical examination you will have over the course of your life. Basically, all it involves is for you to lie back and let the bone densitometer do the work.

Regardless of the simplicity of this test, there are always valid concerns about any medical procedure. For your peace of mind, this section addresses these important questions.

Will it hurt?
Absolutely not. There is no pain at all associated with a bone densitometry examination.

Is the examination safe?
Bone densitometry involves an extremely small dose of radiation. How small? An AP spine scan delivers less than one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-ray. As in any medical procedure, if you are pregnant be sure to inform your physician.

Is there special preparation involved?
Unlike many other medical examinations, no special preparation is required. There are no painful contrast injections, bad-tasting oral preparations or uncomfortable enemas.

Do I have to alter my eating habits?
This is not an examination that requires you to have an empty stomach, drink a certain amount of water, or any other such pre-examination preparation on your part.

What should I wear?
Wear any kind of clothing you like, but please avoid metal buttons or buckles.

What do I do during the examination?
Lie still. Breath normally. Rest comfortably.

How long will the examination take?
Spine or femur measurements take approximately two to five minutes while total body measurements take approximately ten to fifteen minutes. Your physician will determine the examination that is best for you.

What will the examination determine?
The bone densitometer will measure your bone mineral density (BMD). It will also compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background. This information will be used by your physician in making a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.

Is that all there is to it?
That's all. Your physician will take care of the rest. Relax and enjoy the examination.