Women's Health Centers

Center for Bone Density Testing

A bone density scan is a low dose x ray that measures the amount of bone mineral content in certain areas of the body - usually the spine and the hip. Your bone mineral density (BMD) is then compared to reference standards to determine if you are at risk for fractures. Low bone density is usually caused by osteoporosis resulting in reduced bone strength or "brittle bones." The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density scans for:

• All women age 65 and older.
• All postmenopausal women under age 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis (other than menopause).
• All postmenopausal women who have had a bone fracture.
• All women who would take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if they knew their bone density was low.
• All women who have taken HRT for a prolonged period.

Osteoporosis…The "Silent Disease"