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Bone Density Testing

For most women, it’s normal for their bones to change in length and become more brittle over time. Some women may experience osteoporosis as they age, which is a condition where bones become thin, weak, and more susceptible to fracture.

At your Square Care Medical Group office, we can monitor your bone health through routine bone density testing. Your provider will be able to diagnose osteoporosis by identifying whether your bone density is increasing, decreasing, or stable.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Osteoporosis?

The most common risk factors for osteoporosis include: 

  • Women aged 65+
  • Menopausal or post-menopausal
  • Smoking
  • High alcohol use
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Family history of osteoporosis 
  • Weighing less than 127 pounds

If any of the above risk factors apply to you, your provider may recommend bone density testing. Women over 50 may need testing every two years, while those with risk factors may need more frequent tests.

How Is Bone Density Testing Done?

Bone density testing measures the heel, spine, wrist, hand, or hip. The most common method of testing bone density is a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. You’ll only need to lie down for around 3 to 10 minutes, while the scan retrieves your measurements.

Once the DEXA scan is complete, it’ll show a T-score for each area scanned. If your test reveals a score of -1.5 to -2.49, you have an increased risk of osteoporosis and may need more frequent testing to monitor the condition.

Contact Your Square Care Medical Group Provider About DEXA Testing 

To support your overall health, your healthcare provider can help you identify and treat osteoporosis, with routine bone density testing. If you have high risk factors for osteoporosis or questions about scheduling DEXA testing, reach out to your Square Care Medical Group provider to discuss your options. 

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