I'm going to be seeing my primary care physician next month for a check-up. Should I ask to have my bones checked for osteoporosis?
It's always a good idea to take a list of questions or concerns with you when seeing your physician. This helps make the best use of your time. And it allows your doctor a chance to review everything carefully.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation has suggested the following guidelines to determine who should have bone density testing:
Any older adult who has already had one or more fractures (especially fragility fractures). Fragility fractures occur without trauma or injury. Bones with decreased density or mass can fracture under normal loads during daily activities. Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is an example of a common fragility fracture.
If you have not been tested even once, it may be a good idea to have a baseline study done. This gives you and your doctor a way to gauge any changes that may occur in the future. Your age and sex is a deciding factor. Women over 65 should have at least a baseline test. Some physicians suggest testing at an earlier age.
Since women have a 50 per cent lifetime risk of fracture at age 50, it may be wise to have a test done before the onset of menopause. The risk of osteoporosis increases dramatically after menopause.
Women who have entered menopause early due to chemotherapy or hysterectomy are advised to watch for osteoporosis. Men can suffer fractures from osteoporosis, too. The age this happens is slightly older (70 years).
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