Bone Density

Everyone can develop osteoporosis because they lose bone density during their adult years, but women have a dramatically higher risk than men after they reach menopause. At any age, bone density testing by George Stanley, MD, and the expert team at University Diagnostic Institute can accurately reveal your risk for osteoporosis and diagnose the condition and its severity. Call the office in Winter Park, Orlando, or Lake Mary, Florida, if you have questions about bone density screening or want to schedule a scan. You can also connect through online booking to request an appointment.

Why do I need bone density testing?

You need bone density testing because everyone is at risk for osteoporosis as they age. Throughout your lifetime, your bones continuously eliminate old and damaged bone, replacing it with new bone cells. 

That process slows as you age. You start losing bone faster than your body replaces it, leading to weak, fragile bones (osteoporosis).

Your risk of developing osteoporosis increases if you:

• Don’t engage in weight-bearing exercise
• Don’t consume enough calcium and vitamin D
• Take corticosteroids for an extended time
• Are a postmenopausal woman
• Are a man with low testosterone
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have a family history of osteoporosis
• Have thyroid, kidney, or liver disease

Women rapidly lose bone mass in the years after menopause.

When should I schedule bone density testing?

The best way to determine if you need screening is to talk with your primary care provider and ask them to do a risk assessment.

However, as a general guideline, women should have bone density screening if they’re over 50 with a high risk for osteoporosis, postmenopausal, or 65 or older.

Men typically need bone density screening if they’re 50-69 years old with a high risk for osteoporosis or older than 70.

What type of bone density testing will I receive?

The University Diagnostic Institute team tests bone density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The DEXA device sends out a very low radiation dose. The resulting X-ray images show bone loss and density in your spine and hip.

The information provided by a DEXA scan allows your provider to determine your chances of developing weak bones, diagnose osteoporosis, and identify your risk of sustaining an osteoporotic fracture.

Do I need to prepare for a bone density scan?

There’s only one thing to do to prepare for a DEXA scan: If you take calcium supplements, you should stop taking them for at least 24 hours before your scheduled scan.

Also, note you can’t wear metal jewelry during the scan. You may not be able to have bone density testing if you’re pregnant or recently had a barium exam or an injection of contrast material for a CAT scan.

Schedule a bone density scan by calling the University Diagnostic Institute or requesting a DEXA scan through online booking.