Bone Density Tests For Women

Screening for osteoporosis might become something you start at an even younger age.

Back in 2002, the US Preventative Services Task Force released guidelines stating that all women over 65, plus those 60 to 64 at a higher risk for fracture, should get bone density tests. These tests are used to determine how thin a woman's bones are and whether she should start treatment.

But in this latest release, they are now saying that younger women might need a bone density test as well. They say all younger postmenopausal women should get checked if their risk of a broken bone is the same or greater than the average 65 year old.

Some factors that can increase their risk include low weight, certain drugs, smoking and heavy alcohol use. Also having a parent who broke a hip make having osteoporosis more likely.

If a woman has these higher risk factors, the task force is recommending she get the same screening as a 65-year-old, regardless of how young she is.

This task force did stop short of recommending screening for men, although other groups, including the National Osteoporosis Foundation, and the American College of Physicians both recommend the screening of men if they meet certain criteria.
Currently, this task force, which received plenty of heat for its prior recommendation to delay mammograms for some women, are releasing their recommendations in draft form only. They are seeking public comment.