Your health care 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:
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Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs;
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Predict your chances of fracturing in the future; and
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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).
This information has been approved by Jennifer Janssen, MD (April 2008).
