 Bones are hard and solid, providing structure for our muscles and
protection of our organs. Despite their apparent rigidity, bones are
living tissue in a constant state of change. Our body continually
removes and absorbs old bone while new bone is produced to replace it.
As we age, it is normal for our bones to begin losing strength. Until
about age 30, our body removes old bone and replaces it with new bone
at a nearly equal rate. After age 30, and especially in women following
menopause, the rate of absorbing old bone begins to occur more rapidly
than the rate of new bone being produced. Over time, the result is
weakened bones, or osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures.
Osteoporosis has no obvious symptoms but, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, known risk factors include:
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Age: The older you are, the greater your risk for developing osteoporosis.
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Gender: Women tend to lose bone more rapidly than men. However, men can also develop osteoporosis.
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Family or personal history of bone fractures.
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Race: Caucasian and Asian women tend to be at a greater risk for
developing osteoporosis, but this does not exclude the occurrence of
osteoporosis among women in other ethnic groups.
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Menopause: The rate of bone loss increases for women following menopause, due to changes in the body.
Early detection of bone loss is the best strategy for preventing or
managing osteoporosis. Bone densitometry is a simple, painless way to
test bone strength. Results from this low-dose x-ray test help
physicians diagnose osteoporosis, assess any risk for fractures and
recommend the best course of treatment for continued bone health.
The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends all women over age 65 have a bone density test, regardless of any risk factors.
Bone densitometry is available at VOA's Renton location and requires a
referral from your primary care physician. If you feel you may be at
risk for osteoporosis, talk with your physician about a referral to VOA
for a bone density test.
Additional Resources:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
National Institutes of Health
National Osteoporosis Foundation
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Bone Densitometry and Osteoporosis 
