Bone Mineral Density

DEXA Scan, Dual Photon Absorptiometry (Bone Mineral Denistry)

Why It Is Done

A bone mineral density (BMD) test is suggested for:

• Postmenopausal women age 60 or older who have risk factors for developing osteoporosis.
• All women who are age 65 or older.
• Men older than age 70, or with other risk factors for osteoporosis.
• Men and women who have hyperparathyroidism.
• Men and women who have been taking corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for a long time.
• Follow-up of how well treatment for osteoporosis is working for men and women being treated for 2 years or longer.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: September 23, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatrics
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