How to check bone density at home
- when should bone density test be done
- how often should bone density test be done
- at what age should you have a bone density test done
- when should you start getting bone density test
What should you not do before a bone density test.
Bone Density Testing
Are you a woman age 65 years or older, a man age 70 years or older, or have you broken a bone (had a fracture) since age 50 years? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should talk to your healthcare provider about getting a bone density test.
What are 3 things a bone density test can identify?Read on to learn about this, and more!
What Is a Bone Density Test?
DXA is a non-invasive test to measure bone density.
A bone density test is a measurement of how much mineral, such as calcium, you have in your bones.
The most common and most versatile test is with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This is used to diagnose osteoporosis BEFORE you break a bone, help to estimate your chances of breaking a bone in the future, and monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments.
This is a very simple test that only takes a few minutes to do.
What can show up on a bone density test?
You do not need to undress, but you must not have buttons or zippers in the area over your spine and hips. The test is non-invasive and painless; no needles or instruments are placed through the skin or body. There is very little radiation – far less than
- when should you get your first bone density test
- how often should a bone density test be given