Your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you’ve:

• 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.
• Had a drop in 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 bone.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is a non-invasive test which detects low bone density by measuring the amount of minerals, such as calcium, in your bones. The test is performed using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine.

The test involves lying on a table for 10-20 minutes while a small x-ray detector scans the spine, hips or both and measures how much of the X-ray passes through the bones. The results are then analyzed to determine the bone mineral density. This test measures the bone mass in two important areas: the hip and the spine as these areas are most susceptible to fractures. The BMD results compare the patient’s bone density to the average bone density of a young, healthy adult.  The lower the bone mineral density, the higher the risk of fractures.

The test is painless and simple to conduct and is very safe – the radiation exposure is minimal, and the test is very precise.

A BMD test is particularly crucial for individuals who have a family history of osteoporosis or have certain medical conditions and medications that affect bone health. By identifying low bone density early on, preventative measures can be taken, such as lifestyle modifications, calcium supplements, and appropriate medications, to reduce the risk of fractures and manage osteoporosis effectively.

Regular BMD tests help monitor the response to treatment and adjust interventions accordingly.