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Screening for Osteoporosis

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Screening for Osteoporosis

Screening is done to find a problem and treat it early. Tests are given to people who do not have symptoms but who may be at high risk.

Screening Guidelines

Screening for osteoporosis is usually based on a person's risk. The doctor may advise screening for:

  • All women aged 65 years and older and men aged 70 years and older
  • Women who have been through menopause with one or more risk factors
  • Men aged 50 to 69 years old with one or more risk factors
  • Any adult age 50 years and older with a broken bone (not caused by injury)
  • Any adult with health problems that cause bone loss
  • Any adult who takes medicines that cause bone loss

Screening Guidelines

Screening for osteoporosis is usually based on a person's risk. The doctor may advise screening for:

  • All women aged 65 years and older and men aged 70 years and older
  • Women who have been through menopause with one or more risk factors
  • Men aged 50 to 69 years old with one or more risk factors
  • Any adult age 50 years and older with a broken bone (not caused by injury)
  • Any adult with health problems that cause bone loss
  • Any adult who takes medicines that cause bone loss

Screening Tests

A bone mineral density test (BMD) screens for osteoporosis. BMD measures bone mass. The measurement is compared to a healthy 30 year old adult. It may also be compared to the normal bone mass of someone of the same age. This is called a Z score. BMD results show if bone density is in a normal range or not.

References

  • Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and osteoporosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/hormonal-replacement-therapy-hrt-and-osteoporosis.
  • Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/osteoporosis-in-postmenopausal-women.
  • Viswanathan M, Reddy S, et al. Screening to prevent osteoporotic fractures: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2018;319(24):2532-2551.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.