Osteoporosis screening guidelines updated: Do you need a bone scan?
What is the strength of your bones?
In the United States, osteoporosis affects at least 1 in 5 women over 50, but many are unaware of this.
According to recent recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, women 65 and older should undergo a bone density scan to test for osteoporosis.
Since osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms until a bone fracture occurs, generally in the hip, wrist, or spine, it is frequently referred to as a silent illness. Although bone loss can affect men as well, women who have had menopause are most at risk.
The task force, a powerful government-appointed panel of medical experts, reaffirmed the current recommendation that a risk assessment questionnaire can determine whether a scan is necessary for postmenopausal women under 65 if there are one or mo...