Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition of low bone density that can progress silently over a long period of time. If diagnosed early, the fractures associated with the disease can often be prevented. Unfortunately, osteoporosis frequently remains undiagnosed until a fracture occurs.
An examination to diagnose osteoporosis can involve several steps that predict your chances of future fracture, diagnose osteoporosis, or both. It might include:
an initial physical exam
various x rays that detect skeletal problems
laboratory tests that reveal important information about the metabolic process of bone breakdown and formation
a bone density test to detect low bone density.
Before performing any tests, your doctor will record information about your medical history and lifestyle and will ask questions related to:
risk factors, including information about any fractures you have had
your family history of disease, including osteoporosis
medication history
general intake of calcium and vitamin D
exercise pattern
for women, menstrual history.
In addition, the doctor will note medical problems and medications you may be taking that can contribute to bone loss (including glucocorticoids, such as cortisone). He or she will also check your height for changes and your posture to note any curvature of the spine from vertebral fractures, which is known as kyphosis.
Risk Factors for Osteoporotic Fracture Include:
personal history of fracture as an adult
history of fracture in a first-degree relative
Caucasian or Asian race, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well
advanced age
being female
dementia
poor health, frailty, or both
current cigarette smoking
low body weight
anorexia nervosa
estrogen deficiency (past menopause, menopause before age 45, having both ovaries removed, or the absence of menstrual periods for a year or more prior to menopause)*
low testosterone levels in men
use of certain medications such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
lifelong low calcium intake
excessive alcohol intake
impaired eyesight despite adequate correction
recurrent falls
inadequate physical activity.