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A bone density test-also called densitometry or DXA scan- determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break.  In the past, osteoporosis could only be detected after you broke a bone, however, by that time your bones could be quite weak.  A bone density test makes it possible to know your risk of breaking bones before the fact.  A bone density test uses x-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.  A bone density test is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture. 

Doctors use bone density testing to:

1. Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
2. Determine your risk of broken bones (fractures)
3. Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you’ve had broken bones
4. Monitor osteoporosis treatment

The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are.  The denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and less likely to break.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing

1. Women 65 or older
2. Postmenopausal women under 65 with one or more risk factors
3. Men 70 or older
4. Men between 50 and 70 with one or more risk factors
5. Over 50 and you’ve experienced a broken bone
6. Postmenopausal not receiving estrogen or hormone therapy

Osteoporosis risk factors

1. Getting older- Bones become weaker with age
2. Ethnicity- Caucasian & Asian greatest risk / African-American & Hispanic have a lower but significant risk.
3. Low body weight (under 125 lbs) or (56.7kg)
4. A personal history of fractures after age 40
5. A parental history osteoporosis or hip fractures
6. Using certain medications especially steroids