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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should women entering into their 50's get a bone density test?

    Related Topic
    Osteoporosis & Bone Health
    If yes why? If not why?
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  • Jo Charge

    Exercise Physiologist, Yoga Teacher

    Jo is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and qualified Yoga teacher who specialises in working with individuals living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, … View Profile

    Bone density testing is used to asses whether someone has osteoporosis (OP). The gold standard in measuring bone density is a DEXA scan. There are alternatives such as heel ultrasounds, but these are not reliable and not endorsed by Osteoporosis Australia. As there are no symptoms of osteoporosis, the only way to tell if you have this condition is to be tested with a DEXA scan or look for other measures such as a loss of height.A DEXA scan can also diagnose osteopenia, a condition in which bone mineral density is reduced, but not to the point at which someone is classed as having osteoporosis. A diagnosis of osteopenia acts as a warning to start making lifestyle changes, such as reducing excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, quitting smoking or commencing a regular weight bearing and resistance training exercise program. These changes can help to prevent further bone mineral loss which leads to osteoporosis.

    Determining if a bone density test is necessary will be guided by assessing your overall risk of developing osteoporosis. Your GP can refer you for a DEXA scan and you will be able to receive a Medicare rebate if you fit any of the following criteria:

    • If you are over 70 years of age
    • Live with rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, chronic liver or kidney disease
    • Have taken corticosteroids over a prolonged period of time
    • Have had an osteoporotic fracture
    • Have previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis
    • Have parathyroid disease.
    A family history of osteoporosis also determines a large part of your overall risk of developing osteoporosis, so if you have concerns about your risk of developing OP, speak with your GP about assessing other risk factors and determining if a DEXA scan is appropriate.

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  • Toby Pickford

    HealthShare Member

    Thank you for your detailed answer. Just wondered if osteoporosis could begin as early as 50?

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  • Anna-Louise Moule

    Exercise Physiologist

    I am an Accredited Exercise Physiologist specialising in the management of chronic conditions through exercise and lifestyle management. I completed my undergraduate studies in Exercise … View Profile

    Yes. Osteoporosis can occur at any stage throughout life. Certain factors such age, gender (post menopausal women are at a greater risk), inactive lifestyle, poor nutrition (diet low in calcium), minimal sun exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or the use of some medications put you at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

    Throughout our lifespan the body is constantly forming new bone and disolving old bone in a process called bone remodelling. Your bones reach their peak Bone mineral density between the ages of around 16 to 25 and you begin to loose bone mass over time. The above risk factors can accelerate this process. The good news is by taking part in regular exercise, particularly resistance training and dietary control throughout all stages of your lifespan the rate of bone mass loss can be attenuated and place you at a decreased risk of osteoporosis or improve your current osteoporotic condition

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