Diagnosis

Determining whether you have osteoporosis depends on your medical history, a physical exam and especially a bone mineral density (BMD) test.

 

Medical history — general health questions, family history, medicines taken, diet,
exercise habits, smoking and alcohol use can be risk factors for osteoporosis.

Physical exam — loss of height and kyphosis (spine curving forward) can be signs of osteoporosis.

Bone and mineral density test — this test measures the amount of bone in the hip, spine or wrist and is the gold standard (best test) to determine the presence of osteoporosis. Results of this test predict your chance of breaking these or other bones in the future. Standard x-rays are not used for testing because they don’t show changes of osteoporosis until approximately one third of bone density has been lost. Bone mineral density tests can find the disease much earlier.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends a central DEXA machine as the best test. This is more accurate than peripheral tests (such as heel screens performed at health fairs), cost effective and helpful in measuring changes in bone density over time. Individuals with an abnormal peripheral screen should have a central DEXA test.