Osteoporosis Screening: Risk Factors, Symptoms & When to Get Tested

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones. A person with osteoporosis has bones that are weak, brittle and fracture easily. Certain risk factors determine whether a person may or may not have osteoporosis. Some of these factors are age, sex, race, body type or frame, medication or a family history of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis screening helps you know your osteoporosis status and when to begin treatment.

Age

• If you are older than age 65, you should get screened for osteoporosis whether you are at risk for osteoporosis or not.

Risk factors and Menopause

• Post-menopausal women who have at least one osteoporosis risk factor should get screened for osteoporosis. One risk factor includes having broken or fractured a bone.

Drugs

• If you take medications that could cause osteoporosis such as steroids, you should get screened for osteoporosis.

Diseases

• Certain diseases or conditions can cause osteoporosis, such as liver disease, type one diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, spinal cord abnormality or a family history of osteoporosis. If you have any of these, you should get screened for osteoporosis.

Early Menopause

• During menopause, there is a decrease in the production of estrogen which corresponds to an increased risk for osteoporosis. If you experienced menopause early, you should get screened for osteoporosis.