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American Bone Health has closed.  However, on October 1, 2023, we joined forces with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) so that BHOF could continue offering all of the important programs and services created by American Bone Health. Please visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org for more information about the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

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Who Should Get a Bone Density Test?

Age

If you’re over 65 and haven’t already had a bone density test, you should talk with your health care provider and get one. 

Because there is x-ray involved, you will need a prescription from your physician and you may also need advance approval from your insurance company before making your appointment.

If you’re under 65 and have risk factors for fracture, you should also get a bone density test.

Other Factors

Besides family history as a strong risk factor, there are many other factors that should influence your decision to get a bone density test.

Have you…

  • Broken a bone with little trauma as an adult?
  • Taken in small amounts of calcium throughout your life?
  • Got small bones and low body weight?
  • Had 2 or more alcoholic beverages a day?
  • Consumed large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, and soft drinks)?
  • Had a reduced level of estrogen at an early age?
  • Not stopped smoking?
  • A low level of physical activity?
  • Had thyroid or parathyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism?
  • Been on a “bone depleting” drug-like steroids, chemotherapy, epilepsy medication or a variety of other drugs for a chronic condition?

Speak with your health care provider. With their knowledge of your health, lifestyle, and the medications you are taking, they can give you the best advice about testing.


Posted: 08/17/16; Revised: 007/21/21. 
As a service to our readers, American Bone Health provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of the last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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The American Bone Health Fracture Risk Calculator™ estimates fracture risk for women and men over age 45.

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