A Bone Density Test measures the density or thickness of bone in your spine or hip.
This noninvasive, painless test involves a dose of radiation that is one-twentieth the dose of a chest x-ray, and determines if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Some common questions answered:
What is osteoporosis and/or osteopenia?
The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. If you are a post-menopausal woman, your risk may be higher than a woman in premenopausal years.
You may be at greater risk if any of these apply to you:
- Caucasian or Asian
- Slender body build
- Family history of osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Surgical menopause
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Low calcium intake
- Low vitamin D intake
- Inactive lifestyle
There are many other risk factors that effect women and men. It is important to discuss your personal risk factors with your health care provider.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
The risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. If you are a post-menopausal woman, your risk may be higher than a woman in premenopausal years.
You may be at greater risk if any of these apply to you:
- Caucasian or Asian
- Slender body build
- Family history of osteoporosis or bone fractures
- Surgical menopause
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Low calcium intake
- Low vitamin D intake
- Inactive lifestyle
There are many other risk factors that effect women and men. It is important to discuss your personal risk factors with your health care provider.
What are some ways to prevent bone loss?
The prevention of bone loss begins in childhood. Consider your bone mass as you would a savings account, the more you accumulate early on, the greater your reward! Why? In our mid-30's bone begins to break down faster than it can rebuild. From that time, women can lose up to 2% of their bone mass per year. Loss of bone mass is most acute during the menopausal years, and some women may lose up to 7% each year!
Prevention includes a well balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, being physically active, not smoking, not drinking alcohol and communicating with your health care provider regarding your risks.
Medication and physical therapy may be beneficial to those already diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia.
For more information about bone densitometry call 768-4211.
For more information about osteoporosis and its prevention, please contact TAMC Women's Health Center at 76-WOMEN. |
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