Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by bone loss. It usually starts with the body no longer rebuilding bone as fast as bones lose mass, resulting in weaker bones that are prone to breaking. If you have advanced osteoporosis, the simple act of sneezing hard can cause a bone fracture.
Osteoporosis is one of the conditions for which there is a screening, and it’s called a bone density test or DEXA scan. It uses X-rays to measure the calcium content in your bones. The higher the calcium content, the denser your bones are. The results of the test can reveal bone density that is steadily decreasing.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a bone density test, let’s first discuss who needs a bone density test and why you might be recommended one by your physician.
#1 Men and Women Ages 65 and Older
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women begin getting bone density screenings by the age of 65. Men over the age of 70 are also at risk of osteoporosis and are recommended a bone density scan. The results of the initial test will determine the frequency of bone density scans needed in the future. If by the age of 65, a woman has good bone density, they can wait several years for their next scan.
#2 Women with Hormonal Imbalances
Women who enter perimenopause, which is the phase before menopause when menstruation ceases, begin to have low estrogen levels. Estrogen is critical to women’s bone health, as it encourages the activity of osteoblasts, which are cells that rebuild bone. If you are pre- or post-menopausal and not taking estrogen, the doctor may recommend that you get a bone density scan.
#3 Men and Women Who Have Lost Height
Becoming shorter could be due to bone loss in the spine. A loss of at least 1.5 inches is worth getting scanned for, and your doctor will likely recommend a bone density scan. While you may not have any other symptoms besides height loss, diagnosing and treating osteoporosis early on can be beneficial for long-term wellness.
#4 Men and Women Who Have A Fractured Bone
Fractures are one of the symptoms of osteoporosis. If you are a senior and you’ve broken a bone easily, your doctor may recommend a bone density test. A maternal or personal history of hip fractures can also lead to a recommendation for a DEXA bone scan.
What Else Can a Bone Density Scan Tell Me?
A bone density scan is not only used to diagnose low bone density but also fractures, bone abnormalities, infection, and cancer. If the scan reveals low bone density, interventions can help slow bone loss and prevent fractures. The test can reveal a lot about your bone health, which is useful information for maintaining your health.
DEXA Scan in Jacksonville, Florida
For high-quality and accurate DEXA scan results, choose Innovative Open MRI & Imaging for your imaging needs. Our highly trained and experienced radiologists perform DEXA bone density scans in our Jacksonville location. For any questions or to schedule your scan, call us today at (904) 268-1080 or use our convenient appointment request form.
