Screenings and Tests

WomanCare Clinic offers screening for osteoporosis, as well as information to help keep your bones healthy. Osteoporosis, or a thinning of the bones, is a significant source of injury and poor health later in life. Calcium, vitamin D, and exercise every day are recommended as the best way to keep your bones healthy.

WomanCare Clinic also offers screening tests such as bone mineral density DEXA scans to test for osteopenia and osteoporosis. This test is recommended for women over the age of 65, or earlier for women with risk factors for osteoporosis. A blood test to check for low levels of vitamin is also recommended for all women, and we can provide that service in our clinic. If you are found to have osteoporosis, you will be referred to specialists who can provide the best care for your bones.

Bone Density Scan

• Women 65 years or older
• Men 70 years or older
• Woman less than age 65 with one or more risk factors

Risk Factors

• Previous fracture after 40 years
• Fracture in first degree relative/first degree relative with osteoporosis
• Caucasian/Asian race and postmenopausal
• Other illness; poor health state
• Smoker
• Low body weight (less than 128 lbs) and postmenopausal
• Estrogen deficient states
• Testosterone deficiency
• Low calcium and/or Vitamin D intake
• Inactivity/poor muscle tone
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Use of Glucocorticoids
• Use of Dilantin and other anti-seizure medications
• Use of Aromatase inhibitors
• Use of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists
• Use of Heparin
• Use of hormone therapy or other therapies to maintain bone and desires monitoring
• Excess thyroid hormone
• Testosterone deficiency state
• Personal history of a low trauma (fragility) fracture (i.e., fall from a standing height)
• Anticipated use of 7.5 mg Prednisone for greater than three months
• Considering therapy - BMD testing would facilitate decision

WomanCare will assist you in preauthorizing a bone density scan with your insurance provider before your appointment date.

3/6/2009