Bone Density Testing
Bone Density Testing – Bone density tests, commonly called DEXA Scans, measure how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone. This test helps your healthcare provider detect osteoporosis and predict your risk of bone fractures.
As a woman gets older, her hormones change which can have an impact on not just the breasts, but also the bones. Protecting your bones will help you to live a longer, more active life. However, osteoporosis is not restricted to older women.
If you feel a bone density test is needed, please contact the Breast Care Center at 956-323-1700 or contact your physician who can schedule it at our state-of-the-art facility just outside McAllen in Mission, Texas.
Women under age 65 and men ages 50 – 70 are at increased risk for osteoporosis if they have:
- A broken bone caused by normal activities, such as a fall from standing height or less (“fragility fracture”)
- Chronic rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Eating disorders
- Early menopause (either from natural causes or surgery)
- History of hormone treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer
- Significant loss of height
- Smoking
- Strong family history of osteoporosis
- Taking corticosteroid medications (prednisone, methylprednisolone) every day for more than 3 months
- Three or more drinks of alcohol per day on most days
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