When I started looking for information about bone density, the amount of information available about osteoporosis was a bit overwhelming. Especially since I was interested in learning how to avoid osteoporosis, not what to do after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Below are a couple overviews that were helpful.
A Visual Guide to Osteoporosis - A WebMD slideshow that provides a quick introduction to bone health and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis - In-Depth Report, in NY Times Health Guide
The NY Times overview covers everything but it's pretty dense reading. There are references from 2007-2009 and links for assorted websites, including National Osteoporosis Foundation.
A key point made is that testing is important. The recommendations (below) are standard. However, getting a baseline sooner is worth considering. Meaning for women, can be useful to have a bone density test well before menopause. For all humans, bone loss begins at some point after age 40. Better to know earlier which areas (hips, spine, arms, legs) are weak. My family physician suggested that I get tested when I was over 55 but not yet 60. We learned that while my hip bones are strong, the bone mineral density of my spine is low enough to be considered osteopenia.
Because osteoporosis can occur with few symptoms, testing is important. Bone density testing is recommended for:
- All women over age 65
- Postmenopausal women under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- All men over age 70
- Men ages 50 - 70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- Any man or woman over age 50 who has suffered a fracture
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