Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility— the consequences of which lead to high susceptibility to fractures.

Women are at the greatest risk. One in two women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, yet nearly 80% remain undiagnosed because symptoms do not occur until much bone strength is lost. And conventional X-rays don’t reveal the disease until 40 to 60% of a bone's mineral content is gone.

Who is at risk?
Men and women lose bone strength as they grow older, but women have higher risk for osteoporosis because they frequently have smaller, thinner frames. The risk for women increases greatly following menopause, with the decrease in bone-protecting estrogen.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include:

Advanced age
History of bone fractures
Small, thin frame
Family history of osteoporosis
Early menopause
Low calcium diet
Lack of exercise
History of eating disorders
Certain medicines (such as steroids or anticonvulsants)
Alcohol and tobacco use

Bone Density Testing/DEXA
The MemorialCare Breast Center at Anaheim Memorial offers bone densitometry, or Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Using small amounts of x-ray to measure the amount of bone mineral in your spine, hip or entire body, DEXA is a convenient and painless test that enables our staff to identify whether you are at risk for fracture— providing accurate bone density results within just a few minutes.

DEXA compares your bone mineral density (BMD) to that of a "young adult" at peak bone strength. It also compares your results to people of your same age group. This information, along with other factors, helps your physician assess your risk of osteoporotic fracture.

DEXA is also useful in following bone changes over time. It can monitor the effects of age, diet and/or medications and treatments on your bone status.

What does the test involve?
The bone densitometer has a large, padded examination table. You will be asked to lie on your back, wearing your own clothing in most cases. The technician positions your arms and legs for the test; then, you simply lie still and breathe normally. A radiologist interprets your scan and sends a written report to your physician.

Is DEXA safe?
X-rays are used, but the amount absorbed by the patient is only about 1/10th of that received during a chest x-ray. The x-ray dose from DEXA is comparable to the naturally occurring environmental radiation that you are exposed to in one week.*

If you would like to schedule a DEXA scan, please call 714-999-3847, then, when prompted, press 1 for scheduling and 2 for the Breast Center.

*Caution: Although the x-ray dose from the bone densiometry test is very low, you must inform the operator if you are pregnant or might be pregnant before your test.

Related articles:
Calcium Can Be Critical Before Menopause
Exercise Plus Calcium Keeps Bones Strong
Radical Shift in Osteoporosis Therapy
Building Good Bones
Preventing Falls