Bone density scans are a fast way to effectively determine whether you have osteoporosis and are at risk of fractures. At Women’s Specialty Care SC, with offices in Grayslake and Lake Forest, Illinois, the team headed by Karen Mass, MD, FACOG, and Leslie Rubeck, CNM, works with a certified clinical densitometrist to offer bone scans using the lowest dose of energy, with same-day results. Call the office in your area or click on the online scheduler to learn more now.
Bone density refers to how much calcium and other bone minerals are in your bones. This density decreases as you age, particularly after menopause. Decreased bone density can lead to osteoporosis (bone thinning and weakening,) which significantly increases your risk of fractures. For this reason, Women’s Specialty Care SC recommends bone density scans.
A bone density scan is a test that evaluates your bone density. Women’s Specialty Care SC uses the state-of-the-art GE Prodigy™, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) or densitometer machine.
The Prodigy checks bone density in several key areas including the thigh bone, spine, and forearm. Prodigy scans are the most effective way to predict fracture risk and recognize osteoporosis early.
This scan produces valuable information, including not only bone density but also lean tissue mass, fat tissue mass, and percentage of body fat. It uses the lowest dose of radiation possible while still yielding the most accurate information.
After a bone density scan, a certified clinical densitometrist reads the information and makes individualized recommendations. They base those recommendations on information like your T-score, which represents the difference between your bone mass and that of an average healthy 30-year old female.
In many cases, same-day results are available.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women should have a bone density scan at age 65. If you’re under age 65 but have completed menopause, you may need a bone density scan based upon your risk factors for osteoporosis, including:
The Women’s Specialty Care SC team can discuss your medical history and current needs with you to determine the right age for your bone density scan.
After your initial bone density scan, the frequency of future scans depends on those scan results and your age. If you’re 65 or older and your bone density scan shows healthy bone mass or only minor bone loss, the team may recommend follow-up scans every 15 years.
But, if your bone density scan shows notable bone loss (T-scores of -1.5 to -2.49) the team may recommend more frequent testing. If you do have significant bone loss, the team can evaluate you to determine what kind of therapy can help.
Bone density scans are a painless, fast, and easy way to determine whether you’re at risk of osteoporosis or its complications. To schedule your bone scan, call the Women’s Specialty Care SC office nearest to you or book an appointment online today.