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 health care 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. 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
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 at our state of the art facility
just outside McAllen in Mission, Texas.