Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    When should I have a bone density test?

    Related Topic
    Osteoporosis & Bone Health
    Are bone density scans routine? If not is it reccommended to have one if you are approaching menopause. There is no osteoporosis in my family but I do have a slight build.
    • 1 answer
    • Women's Health Queensland Wide
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • Women's Health Queensland Wide

    Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile

    It is good for every woman to know her bone density. If you are approaching 50 years then a base line scan gives information and helps you track your progress as time goes by, since both ageing and menopause can gave a have an impact on bone density.
    Some risk factors are not always obvious.
    Family history of osteoporosis (or broken hip)
    Recently had a broken bone from a minor bump or fall
    Coeliac disease
    Rheumatoid arthritis
    Taking steroid drugs for longer than 3 months (common for asthma)
    For women early menopause
    Overactive thyroid or parathyroid conditions
    Treatment for breast cancer or prostate cancer
    You noticed you’ve lost height (3 cm or more)
    Make sure your diet is adequate in Calcium, Vit. D and that you are getting enough weight bearing exercise e.g. walking Here is a link to a very helpful resource
    http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/images/stories/consumer_resources_updated/oa_consumer_brochure.pdf
    Brenda
    Women’s Health Educator
    Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide

    Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).

    Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices