Redefining DEXA Bone Mineral Density Scans

What can a BMD test do?

A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is the only way to detect low bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. The lower a person's bone mineral density, the greater the risk of having a fracture. A BMD test is used to:

• Detect low bone density before a person breaks a bone
• Predict a person's chances of breaking a bone in the future
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis when a person has already broken a bone
• Determine whether a person's bone density is increasing, decreasing or remaining stable (the same)
• Monitor a person's response to treatment

Who should have a BMD test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a BMD test if you are:

• A postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• A man age 50-70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• A woman age 65 or older, even without any risk factors
• A man age 70 or older, even without any risk factors
• A woman or man after age 50 who has a broken bone
• A woman going through menopause with certain risk factors
• A post menopausal women who has stopped taking estrogen therapy (ET) or hormone therapy (HT)