Are you due for a bone density test? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced updated osteoporosis screening guidelines on January 14, 2025. Women 65 years or older, or postmenopausal women ...

Preventive screenings, such as bone density tests, can help identify potential medical problems. Medicare covers some costs. Bone density tests may help prevent expensive reparative treatments.

Q: I just turned 65, and my doctor wants me to have a bone density test. What is it, and how does it work? A: A bone mineral density test, or BMD, measures the strength of one’s bones. It’s an ...

Q: I’ve never had a fracture or bone health issues. Should I still get a bone density test? A: It depends. A bone density test uses a low dose of X-rays in a quick, noninvasive way to measure the ...

Dear Doctors: I just turned 65, and my doctor wants me to have a bone density test. What is it, and how does it work? Dear Reader: A bone mineral density test, or BMD, measures the strength of one’s ...

ON THIS PAGEWhat It IsWho Should Get ItTypesUnderstanding Your ResultsA body composition test measures percentages of fat, bone, and muscle in the body. It can provide a snapshot of your overall ...

Osteoporosis often goes unnoticed until a fracture happens. Find out how women can protect their bone health now.

A bone mineral density test measures the amount of calcium and other minerals that are present in a section of bone. This is a harmless and very useful test that helps to determine if someone is at ...

Dear Doctors: I just turned 65, and my doctor wants me to have a bone density test. What is it, and how does it work? Dear Reader: A bone mineral density test, or BMD, measures the strength of one’s ...

Question: I am 62-year-old woman who has been fairly healthy most of my life. I try to walk daily and eat right. I’ve never had a fracture or bone health issues. But after my annual physical this year ...

Bone density testing most often is done to help diagnose osteoporosis or to see if you are at increased risk of this condition. Osteoporosis is a disease that thins your bones, causing them to become ...