OSTEOPOROSIS AND BONE DENSITY FACTS**

What is Osteopenia?

Osteopenia means bone mass or bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not yet low enough to be considered osteoporosis. A person in this category may benefit from taking an osteoporosis medication depending on their risk factors for osteoporosis and fractures. Please consult with your doctor before taking any medications.

What is Osteoporosis?

A condition in which the bones become so porous and weak that they are likely to break from a minor injury. A person with osteoporosis can break a bone from a minor fall, picking up a bag of groceries, and in more serious cases, from a simple action such as a sneeze. While the most common osteoporosis fractures occur in the hip, vertebrae (bones in the spine) and wrist, these fractures also occur in many other bones

Who should have a Bone Density Scan?

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends a Bone Density Scan for those who are:

* Women age 65 or older
* Postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors for osteoporosis
* Men age 70 or older
* Men age 50-69 with risk factors for osteoporosis
* Women going through menopause with certain risk factors
* Adults who break a bone after age 50
* Adults with certain medical conditions
* Adults taking certain medicines
* Postmenopausal women who have stopped taking estrogen therapy (ET) or hormone therapy.

How often should I have a Bone Density Scan?

NOF recommends that people taking an osteoporosis medicine repeat their Bone Density Scan by every two years. Depending upon medical history some healthcare providers may have certain patients repeat their Bone Density Scan after one year.

General risk factors for Osteoporosis are: