Osteoporosis and bone density tests: what the sources say
Key points
- Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and likely to break.
- MedlinePlus (US) says it is more common in women, especially after menopause.
- The CDC (US) says screening is recommended for women who are 65 or older, and for women 50 to 64 who have certain risk factors.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says a doctor may prescribe medicine for people with osteoporosis, to stop more bone loss or to build new bone mass.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) lists being active and not smoking among ways to prevent weak bones.
What osteoporosis is and who is more likely to get it
Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. The Office on Women's Health (US) says it makes bones weak, so they break easily. MedlinePlus (US) says you may not even know you have it until you break a bone. [1] [2]
MedlinePlus (US) says anyone can get osteoporosis, but some people are more likely to. It says the disease is more common in women, especially after menopause. It also says a parent with osteoporosis, or a parent who broke a hip, may raise your risk. [1]
The Office on Women's Health (US) lists more things that raise risk. One is being past menopause: it says up to 25% of bone mass can be lost by some women in the first 10 years. Others are not getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and smoking. [2]
Bone density tests and who the sources say should have one
The CDC (US) says a DEXA scan measures bone density, meaning how thick and strong the bones are. It sends a high-energy and a low-energy x-ray beam through the body, usually at the hip and the spine. [3]
The CDC (US) says screening for osteoporosis is recommended for women who are 65 or older. It says screening is also recommended for women aged 50 to 64 who have certain risk factors. One example is a parent who has broken a hip. [3]
The Office on Women's Health (US) says a doctor may suggest a bone density test if you are 65 or older. It says the same if you are younger than 65 and have risk factors for osteoporosis. [2]
What the sources say about treatment and prevention
MedlinePlus (US) says the goals of treatment are to slow or stop bone loss and to prevent fractures, or breaks. It says a provider may recommend fall prevention and medicines. Some medicines slow down bone loss, and some help rebuild bone. [1]
The Office on Women's Health (US) says a doctor may prescribe medicine for people with osteoporosis, to stop more bone loss or to build new bone mass. It adds that a doctor may also suggest more calcium, vitamin D, and physical activity. [2]
The Office on Women's Health (US) calls building strong bones one of the best ways to prevent weak bones. It lists weight-bearing activity, such as running or dancing, and not smoking. MedlinePlus (US) says a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps, and that limiting alcohol can also help. [2] [1]
Where the sources differ
The sources agree on age 65 and older, but describe younger women differently. The CDC (US) names women aged 50 to 64 with certain risk factors. MedlinePlus (US) says the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors. The Office on Women's Health (US) says a doctor may suggest a test if you are younger than 65 with risk factors, and gives no lower age. [3] [1] [2]
When to see a doctor
The Office on Women's Health (US) advises asking a doctor or nurse if a bone density test is needed before you turn 65. [2]
The CDC (US) says other risk factors include some intestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis, and low body weight. It says a healthcare provider may suggest a DEXA scan for a person with any of these other risk factors. [3]
Sources
- MedlinePlus (US): Osteoporosis (opens in a new tab). Last updated September 30, 2025.
- Office on Women's Health (US): Osteoporosis (opens in a new tab). Last updated April 28, 2026.
- CDC (US): Facts About Bone Density (DEXA Scan) (opens in a new tab). Published July 15, 2026.
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