Osteopenia refers to mild bone loss that isn't severe enough to be called osteoporosis, but that increases your risk of osteoporosis. Doctors can detect osteopenia or early signs of osteoporosis using a variety of devices to measure bone density.
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
The best screening test is dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This procedure is quick, simple and gives accurate results. It measures the density of bones in your spine, hip and wrist — the areas most likely to be affected by causes of osteoporosis — and it's used to accurately follow changes in these bones over time.
Other tests that can accurately measure bone density include :
- Ultrasound
- Quantitative computerized tomography (CT) scanning
Should you have a test?
If you're a woman, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that you have a bone density test if you aren't taking estrogen and any of the following conditions apply to you :
- You're older than age 65, regardless of risk factors.
- You're postmenopausal and have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis, including having fractured a bone.
- You have a vertebral abnormality.
- You use medications, such as prednisone, that can cause of osteoporosis.
- You have type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
- You experienced early menopause.
Doctors don't generally recommend osteoporosis treatment screening for men because the disease is less common in men than it is in women.
Sources mayoclinic.com
