How Can I Tell If I Am At Risk Of Osteoporosis? | ExpatWoman.com
 

How Can I Tell If I Am At Risk Of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and thin.

Posted on

19 September 2013

Last updated on 30 January 2018
How Can I Tell If I Am At Risk Of Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and thin. It is especially common in women as they grow older or in people who take certain medications such as corticosteroids. Osteoporosis can progress with no symptoms until a bone actually breaks, so it’s important that, if you think you are at risk of developing osteoporosis, you undergo a bone densitometry scan.

If you have a lower bone density than normal, this risk can be reduced with early intervention and the correct medical treatment to help increase bone density.

What is a bone densitometry scan?

A bone densitometry scan (also called DEXA) is used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) or calcium content of your bones. The scan usually concentrates on the spine and the hips.


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When should you have a bone densitometry scan?

  • If you are a woman aged 65 and older.
  • If you are a man, aged 70 and older.
  • If you are a postmenopausal woman under the age of 65 or a man, aged between 50 and 69 who has a history of fractures, low body weight, is a smoker or has a family history of fractures.
  • If you are an adult of any age who has a history of fractures
  • If you have a disease or condition associated with low bone mass or bone loss such as a thyroid disorder or rheumatoid arthritis
  • If you have been taking steroid medications for longer than three months

How can The City Hospital help?

At The City Hospital, Dr. Mazin Al-Janabi can perform DEXA scans for osteoporosis and advise on the best course of action for those with the condition, or those at risk of developing it.

For more information and appointments, please call The City Hospital on 04 435 9999.

 
 

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