A diagnosis of osteoporosis is defined in terms of standard deviations from the average peak bone mass. The World Health Organization defines osteoporosis as a bone mineral density 2.5 standard deviations below that of a normal healthy 30 year old. Those who are between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations below the norm are defined as having osteopenia or low bone mass. Individuals within one standard deviation of the 30-year-old norm are considered to be at low risk for osteoporotic fracture.

Recent guidelines issued by the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend bone mineral density testing for the following individuals:

The federal 1997 Balanced Budget Act passed by Congress includes a provision that outlines how Medicare is to cover densitometry testing. Uniform coverage of bone mass measurements under Medicare Part B went into effect July 1, 1998. Previously, interpretation of guidelines on this subject was left up to the individual carriers. The Act authorizes coverage for testing for individuals who fall into the following categories: These benefits apply to all Medicare plans, including managed care plans.

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The Bone Density Scan can accurately predict who is at increased risk for fractures and be used to accurately follow those with osteoporosis for worsening or improvement. It can be used to guide treatment of this potentially devastating disease. The Bone Density Scan uses electron beam tomography to measure bone density. Quantitative Computed Tomography is the GOLD Standard for bone densitometry.

With normal aging, underlying medical conditions, use of medications and family history of osteoporosis/fractures, bones can weaken and fracture. The most common cause of bone weakening is osteoporosis. As the bones weaken, the probability of fractures increases. In the U.S. today, 10 million people already have the disease and 18 million more have low bone mass resulting in an increased risk for the disease and fracture. Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1-2 million fractures per year.

No, each woman should be assessed by her doctor about the risk of developing osteoporosis and be referred for a bone density measurement if necessary.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is one of the leading sources of information about osteoporosis and bone measurements. The NOF recommends women have a bone density test if they meet the following criteria:

Iron deficiency means that a woman does not have sufficient oxygen carrying capacity in her blood - so that she feels tired and has reduced endurance performance. Anorexia means that a woman will have very few reserves of body fat or muscle glycogen which will also affect her ability to train and achieve peak performance. Low bone density puts that woman at a risk of stress fractures and fractures which will limit her ability to be involved in physical activities.

Yes. Research shows that female tea drinkers had much stronger bones than non-tea drinkers. Tea drinkers had 5% more bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, indicating a 10% to 20% lower fracture risk. Researchers speculate that isoflavonoid chemicals in tea may have a weak estrogenic effect, reducing bone deterioration and osteoporosis risk. Click here for more on tea's health benefits.

All the SERMs coming into the marketplace have only been studied for only a short period of time. No one knows the actual long-term effects of these drugs. There are ongoing studies that may help with this dilemma. The suggestion here is that women should wait until more data is available regarding raloxifene prevention. It is estimated that close to 20 million women who are at high risk for breast cancer could benefit from its use.

Osteoporosis affects over 25 million Americans each year and is responsible for 1.3 million fractures per year. Osteoporosis is the thinning of your bone. As you mature, your body builds bone faster than it breaks down. After age 25-35, this slowly reverses and the breakdown becomes faster than the building, especially in women after menopause. This causes the bones to become brittle and increases your risk for a fracture.

A study at the Pacific Health Research Institute in Honolulu was designed to provide concrete data on the restoration of bone mass in post-menopausal females. Bone density rose with an average of 5.6%. At the university of Graz in Austria a similar study clearly showed an increase in bone density after one year of around 6%. These results make all the difference in functioning in good health or suffering with an increasing risk for spontaneous fractures.

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A bone density test, sometimes called a Dexa scan, is a bone density measurement, which indicates how solid bones are, and how strongly they are fortified by calcium. The bone density test is a very simple procedure using a very low dose of radiation. The patient lies down on the scan table and two images are taken, one of the spine and one of the hip. The computer generates images of the region scanned. The computer, to obtain the bone mineral density value, then analyzes the images.

A bone density test is a very simple exam to determine the status of osteoporosis. You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table and a sponge will be placed under your knees for more comfort. The actual scan will only take about 15 minutes. The technologist will make an image of your spine and one image of your hip. After these images are made you will be allowed to get up.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation's recommendations specify that the following people should have bone density measurement: Postmenopausal women who have one or more risk factors for osteoporotic fracture other then menopause