Bone Mineral Density
A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is a non-invasive and pain-free test that measures the density of your bones to determine your likelihood of developing osteoporosis or enduring an osteoporosis-related fracture. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
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. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to fracture.
Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you have:
A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is a non-invasive and pain-free test that measures the density of your bones to determine your likelihood of developing osteoporosis or enduring an osteoporosis-related fracture. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
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. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are. And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to fracture.
Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you have:
- Lost height: People who have lost at least 1.6 inches (4 centimeters) in height may have compression fractures in their spines, for which osteoporosis is one of the main causes.
- Fractured a bone: Fragility fractures occur when a bone becomes so fragile that it breaks much more easily than expected. Fragility fractures can sometimes be caused by a strong cough or sneeze.
- Taken certain drugs: Long-term use of steroid medications, such as prednisone, interferes with the bone-rebuilding process, which can lead to osteoporosis.
- Received a transplant: People who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant are at higher risk of osteoporosis, partly because anti-rejection drugs also interfere with the bone-rebuilding process.
- Lower than normal hormone levels: In addition to the natural drop in hormones that occurs after menopause, women’s estrogen may also drop during certain cancer treatments. Some treatments for prostate cancer reduce testosterone levels in men. Lowered sex hormone levels weaken bones.
