Osteoporosis: Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your health and give you a complete check-up. Part of a complete check-up includes a specialized x-ray test called bone densitometry (DEXA), which can:

• Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs;

• Predict your chances of fracturing in the future; and 

• Determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment.

Your doctor also may order a urine test to detect calcium loss or markers of bone resorption (the loss of bone through deterioration).