Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
How osteoporosis is diagnosed with a DEXA scan, FRAX score and blood tests.
Osteoporosis is diagnosed by measuring bone density and assessing risk of fracture.
Main tests
Blood and urine tests to find causes
Who should be tested
Women aged 65 and over, younger postmenopausal women with risk factors, men aged 70 and over, and anyone with a fragility fracture, long-term steroid use or a condition linked to bone loss.
Preparing for a DEXA
Do not take calcium supplements on the day. Wear clothes without metal. Tell staff if you had a recent barium or contrast test. Pregnant women should not have the scan.
Ayurvedic view
Ayurvedic assessment (Nadi, Prakriti or observation) does not measure bone density and cannot replace a DEXA scan.
See a doctor if you are not sure whether you should be tested.
When to get help
Speak with your doctor or an orthopaedic, endocrinology or rheumatology clinic if you have had a fracture from a minor fall, lose height, or develop a stooped back. Checking bone health early, with a DEXA scan where advised, lets you start the right plan before a break happens.
Remember
A painless 10-minute scan can show your bone health before a fracture occurs.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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