Bone density Screening - Tuesday 5th august 2025

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• Prevention and Treatment: Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can help prevent osteoporosis and related fractures.
• Baseline Measurement: Establishing a baseline bone density measurement helps track changes over time and assess the effectiveness of any treatments or lifestyle changes.

• Personal Risk Assessment: A bone scan can help identify personal risk factors for osteoporosis, such as low bone density, even if you don't currently have symptoms or a family history of the condition.

• Personalised Care Plan: Knowing your bone density can help you or your healthcare providers create a personalised plan to improve or maintain bone health, including diet, exercise, and whether medications are right for you (clearly understanding risk over benefit)
• Lifestyle Adjustments: If you have low bone density, you can make specific lifestyle changes to enhance bone strength and reduce fracture risk.

Women over the age of 50.

Men over the age of 70.

Women, particularly

postmenopausal women, due to lower estrogen levels

Family history of osteoporosis or fractures.

Smaller body frame and lower body weight

Early menopause (before age 45).

Low levels of sex hormones (estrogen/testosterone).

Conditions causing hormonal imbalances, (hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism).

Low calcium intake.

Vitamin D deficiency

Poor overall nutrition

Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity.

Excessive alcohol consumption.

Smoking.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

Chronic kidney disease.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.

Long-term use of corticosteroids.

Anticonvulsants.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Some cancer treatments.

History of fractures or bone breaks.

Low body weight or significant weight loss.
Excessive caffeine intake.