There are more than 200 bones in each of our bodies that serve vital functions — they hold us up, help us move around, and protect all our important organs. Bone density reaches its peak by age 30 and stays stable until about age 50. But depending on genes or lifestyle, osteoporosis can develop as early as our teenage years.
Osteoporosis affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. While women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, it is also common in men. There are usually no symptoms until you break or fracture a bone, which is why knowing when to get a bone density test is so important.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when the body loses too much bone mass, makes too little bone, or both. It weakens the bones, putting them at greater risk of breaking or fracturing from a fall or, in more advanced cases, even something as minor as sneezing.
What causes osteoporosis?
Besides a family history of bone loss, other risk factors for osteoporosis include:
- Diet low in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients
- Inactive lifestyle
- Certain illnesses or medications
- Low body weight or eating disorders
- Exceptionally high or low levels of certain hormones
- More than two alcoholic drinks per day
When is the right time to get screened?
Osteoporosis is both preventable and treatable. For women, bone loss often begins at menopause, and bone mass can decrease by as much as 5% each of the six years that follow. This is why it’s recommended for women to get screened at age 65.
For men, it’s a good idea is to get tested at age 70, unless other risk factors are present — in which case, screening is recommended at age 50.
| Bone Density Testing |
When Bone Loss Starts |
Age to Get Tested |
| Women |
At menopause |
65 |
| Men |
Age 50 |
70 |
What exactly is a bone density test?
A bone density or bone mass test is safe, painless, and usually takes less than 15 minutes. During this test, a low-dose X-ray of your hips and/or spine measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones.
Learn more and get support
Talk with your doctor to see if a bone density test is right for you. If you have any questions about your Quartz plan’s benefits related to osteoporosis screening and treatment, please contact us.
Osteoporosis Education and Support
- Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- National Council on Aging
Sources:
