What are the different indications for bone density testing?

COMMON RISK FOR MEN ASSESSING OSTEOPOROSIS:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Previous Fracture
• Low dietary calcium intake
• Small & thin body frame < 57kg
• Asian or Caucasian background
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking or previous smoker
• Excessive alcohol intake - more than two drinks/day
• Excessive caffeine intake - more that 3 cups/day
• Exposure to little sunlight or consuming little/no vitamin D
• Excessive Weight loss or dieting
• Long-term use of steroids ( >3 months including Prednisone, Cortisone, & inhalers), thyroid hormones, anti-seizure medications
• Osteopenia on radiograph
• Malabsorption problems e.g. celiac disease
• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, Crohn’s, lupus, diabetes
• Propensity to fall
• High sodium intake
• All men over the age of 65 regardless of risk factors should have a bone density test
• Long-term anticonvulsant therapy
• Chronic Lung Disease
• Malignancy
• Hypogonadism

COMMON RISK FOR WOMEN ASSESSING OSTEOPOROSIS:

• Family history of osteoporosis
• Previous Fracture
• Low dietary calcium intake
• Small & thin body frame < 57kg
• Asian or Caucasian background
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoking or previous smoker
• Excessive alcohol intake - more than two drinks/day
• Excessive caffeine intake - more that 3 cups/day
• Exposure to little sunlight or consuming little/no vitamin D
• Excessive Weight loss or dieting
• Long-term use of steroids( >3 months including Prednisone, Cortisone, & inhalers), thyroid hormones, anti-seizure medications
• Osteopenia on radiograph
• Malabsorption problems e.g. celiac disease
• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, Crohn’s, lupus, diabetes
• Excessive Weight Loss or dieting
• Anorexia/bulimia
• Propensity to fall
• High sodium intake
• All women over the age of 65 regardless of risk factors should have a bone density test
• Long-term anticonvulsant therapy
• Chronic Lung Disease
• Malignancy
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods)
• Low estrogen levels - natural or surgical menopause
• Early Menopause

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