A 58-year-old postmenopausal woman with a family history of osteoporosis wants to know if she should start screening for the condition. She does not have any symptoms but is concerned about her risk. What is your advice?
Given her postmenopausal status and family history of osteoporosis, she is at a higher risk for the disease. Current guidelines recommend starting bone mineral density testing in women at age 65, or sooner in postmenopausal women with risk factors for osteoporosis. In this case, a DEXA scan could be considered to assess her current bone health. Additionally, she should be counselled about risk factor modification, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.