Bone Density Testing Important for Both Men and Women

Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually and approximately 10 million individuals in the U.S. are estimated to have the disease. It is a major health threat for those over 50 years of age, but how do you know if you are at risk?

Osteoporosis weakens your bones, increases the chances that you will sustain a fracture, and can affect both men and women. If you meet any of the following criteria, it would be a good idea to have your bone density checked.

Women Over 65
Being female and over 65 years of age means that you are more likely to develop osteoporosis. Monitoring your bone health on a regular basis will put you in a better position to initiate treatment, and slow the progression of this condition.

Younger Postmenopausal Women
No matter what age you are, if you are postmenopausal, it would be in your best interest to test your bone density. Keeping tabs on your bone health even before problems arise can hopefully help you avoid fractures in the future.

Postmenopausal Women With a Fracture
A lot of people don’t know that they have osteoporosis until they break a bone. If you have sustained a fracture you are at the highest risk for developing even more problems down the road.

Men at Risk for Osteoporosis
Approximately 20 percent of osteoporosis cases occur in men. If you are a male over the age of 50, you might want to consider having your bone density checked. One in four men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in his remaining lifetime.

Additional risk factors for the condition include, but are not limited to: family history, inactive lifestyle, taking certain medications, and smoking. If you are interested in having your bone density tested, contact the specialists at Sierra Pacific Orthopaedic & Spine Center today at (877) 666-6080.