Who Should Have the Test?
Don’t let osteoporosis sneak up on you; find out if a BMD
test is appropriate for you. The first and most important step is to
assess your personal risk for osteoporosis. For more information about
how to determine your risk factors, see the appropriate NYSOPEP risk
assessment tool: for "Premenopausal Women", for "Postmenopausal Women or for "Men".
In general, bone mineral density testing is recommended for the following individuals:
- All women aged 65 or older regardless of risk factors;
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more risk factors (other than race, gender and postmenopausal status);
- Postmenopausal women who have a current and/or previous fracture with minimal trauma;
- Adults (including postmenopausal women, premenopausal women and men) on steroid medications for more than three months;
- Men aged 70 and older;
- Men
under age 70 with a current/ previous fracture or a major risk factor
for osteoporosis such as low testosterone, alcoholism, or any other
secondary cause of osteoporosis.
The decision to have a
BMD test should be made in collaboration with your doctor or
medical professional. If a bone density test is recommended for
you, you will need a prescription with a diagnosis.
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