Tests & Treatments

Bone Density Test for Osteoporosis / Low Bone Mass

BONE DENSITY TEST FOR OSTEOPOROSIS / LOW BONE MASS
Osteoporosis is a preventable disease that is typically caused by hormone changes or a calcium or vitamin D deficiency. This condition affects a high number of American adults—an estimated 54 million men and women are living with osteoporosis / low bone mass. The main test that is used to diagnose osteoporosis / low bone mass is called the bone mineral density test (BMD). A popular form of testing BMD is called the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) test. Are you are a woman who is of menopausal / post-menopausal age or a man who is 50 years of age or older? If so, you may consider talking with your doctor at Washington Township Medication Foundation about scheduling a bone density test.

Why Do I Need a Bone Density Test?

A bone density test can help you know your bone density level and whether or not you have osteopenia or osteoporosis. This can help you answer questions such as:

• Am I likely to break a bone?
• Is my bone density improving, worsening, or remaining static?
• Is my osteoporosis medication working?

Treatments for Osteoporosis

It is a myth that the only way to effectively manage osteoporosis is to prevent it from happening in the first place. While prevention is certainly preferable, if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you should know that there are also treatment options available. Ask your doctor at Washington Township Medication Foundation about osteoporosis treatment options that could be right for you. You may have the best results through a combination of approaches.

Some options to discuss with your doctor may include:

• Medications including ibandronate (Boniva), alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Atelvia, Actonel), teriparatide (Forteo), raloxifene (Evista), denusumab (Prolia), and zoledronic acid (Reclast)
• Increasing vitamin D and calcium intake in your diet
• Weight-bearing exercises
• Quit smoking