Who Should Undergo Bone Density Tests?

Several techniques are available to measure bone density, thus predicting how much bone mass has been lost and how likely you are to suffer a fracture. Who should consider these bone measurements?

Dr. C. Conrad Johnston Jr., chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board, National Osteoporosis Foundation; professor of medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine

“Anyone with a question about whether they should take estrogen to prevent the loss of bone (should consider the test).

“The best time would be around menopause. The test gives you an assessment of risk, like blood pressure measurement or cholesterol measurement.”

Dr. Stuart Silverman, UCLA adjunct associate professor of medicine; medical director of the Osteoporosis Medical Center, a nonprofit research center

“A woman at menopause should consider having a bone density measurement, (as should) anyone who has had irregular periods and runners whose periods have shut down for six months or longer. If bone density is good, a doctor may elect to follow a woman (before recommending treatment); if it is poor, she should take estrogen or an estrogen alternative like calcitonin. A post-menopausal woman who chooses to take estrogen might not need the test.”

For more information: Contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation, (800) 223-9994. Ask for the brochure, “Stand Up to Osteoporosis.”