A bone mass measurement--measuring bone mineral density-- is the only way to determine your fracture risk for osteoporosis. According to the North American Menopause Society and The American College of Physicians, bone mass measurement should be performed on:

• All women over the age of 65 regardless of risk factors (see Page 1)
• Postmenopausal women under age 65 with one or more risk factors that include being a smoker, weighing under 125 pounds, having a mother or sister who has had a hip fracture, or having a fracture after the age of 40
• Individuals undergoing long-term steroid therapy
• Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism
• Men or women over the age of 50:
• Who have lost at least two inches in height
• With unexplained back pain
• Whose posture has changed
• With lifestyle habits that include smoking, excessive alcohol use, low calcium intake, inadequate physical exercise

For information about scheduling a bone density test, call UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 1003, or 800-777-8442, ext. 1003.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  How to Keep Your Bones Healthy

Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These links are here for general information only, and should not be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions, please contact UI Health Access.

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