Early Detection for Osteoporosis

To improve the lives of women, MemorialCare Medical Centers in Southern California offers early detection screenings for osteoporosis to help you live-long and stay healthy.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility—leading to high susceptibility to fractures.

Women Are at Risk for Osteoporosis

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. One in two women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis, yet nearly 80 percent remain undiagnosed because symptoms do not occur until much bone strength is lost.

Bone Density Test

Since osteoporosis can occur without symptoms, and conventional X-rays don’t reveal the disease until 40 to 60 percent of a bone's mineral content is gone, the only way to measure bone loss is with a bone density test.

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.
• Use of certain medicines (such as steroids or anticonvulsants).
• Alcohol and tobacco use.