Aging Bodies

Question: I recently celebrated my 50th birthday. After seeing the doctor for my annual check-up, I'm now wondering if this is the age when a woman's body starts falling apart. Several tests I've never had before were scheduled because of my age even though I have no symptoms. Next week I will be having a bone density test. What should I expect?

Answer: Several years ago, if a person was asked to draw a picture of someone with osteoporosis, the drawing most likely would have been a hunched-over, tiny old woman. Today the drawing would include that woman along with her younger, healthier looking daughter, and surprisingly, her son.

Studies estimate that up to 40 percent of 50-year-old women will require medical care as a result of an osteoporosis-related broken bone at some point during their life. These numbers are quite astounding and hopefully will alert women in this age category to take every precaution and preventative measure to protect themselves in the years to come. Bone mass measurements (bone density tests) are safe, painless procedures that essentially measure the mass and density of bone. The measurements assist in identifying individuals with loss of minerals or thinning bones and help predict the likelihood of fractures. Bone density tests are most effective when used in conjunction with a complete medical workup. Information obtained from the test may confirm a diagnosis and assist your doctor in evaluating your personal risks and in recommending a plan of prevention/treatment.

The entire examination usually takes approximately 30 minutes and absolutely no discomfort is involved. The patient lies relaxed and still on a scan table while a "scanner arm" passes over a specified area of the body (normally spine, hip, or forearm). A dual energy beam of x-ray passes through the body. A detector measures the amount of x-rays that are absorbed by bones in the body. The end result is a quite accurate estimation of bone density, which in turn directly relates to bone strength. The radiation exposure is extremely low and, in most cases, is less than that of a standard chest x-ray.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation, www.nof.org, states there are 10 million people in the U.S. who already have the disease and another 18 million individuals with low bone mass. The disease is a major source of disability and frailty in older adults. The good news is if osteoporosis is detected early, there are several treatment options to consider that can slow the progression of the disease and in some instances reproduce bone mass.

Bone mass measurements, every two years, are included as a benefit for individuals covered by Medicare. Private insurances vary so it is always advisable to inquire what coverage you may or may not have.