Bone Density Testing

Women First Care
Through every stage of life

Make an Appointment
Older woman with grey hair in long sleeve pink shirt flexing left arm
Icon of Lotus Florwer

Breast
Health

Pelvic Helath Icon

Pelvic
Health

Menopause & Hormones

Icon to represent Common GYN Conditions

Common GYN Conditions

Diagnostics & Treatment

Uterus Icon to Represent Gynecologic Surgeries

Gynecologic Surgeries

Breast Health
Pelvic Health
Menopause & Hormones
Common GYN Conditions
Diagnostics & Treatment
Gynecologic Surgeries

As a woman, you’re at risk for osteoporosis as you age. Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that can cause bones to become weak and fragile. Low bone mass, also called osteopenia, is a condition that can lead to osteoporosis and also gradually makes bones more fragile and more susceptible to fractures. The spine, hip and wrist are areas most vulnerable to effects of osteoporosis. While osteoporosis can affect women and men, it is much more common in women after menopause.

Millions of women are affected by these disorders, and the best way to protect yourself is maintaining a healthy lifestyle for prevention and early detection if you have osteopenia or osteoporosis. The DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan is considered the best screening method to detect low bone mass. It is a non-invasive and painless test. We encourage this test in our patients who we consider at risk for osteoporosis.

About 13 to 18% of U.S. women age 50 years or older have osteoporosis, while another 37 to 50% have low bone mass (osteopenia). Although hip fracture has been emphasized as a source of disability and even death, spine fractures can account for problems with pain, changes in appearance and loss of independence. It can even have an effect on cardiovascular, lung and digestive function.

The good news is major complications from osteoporosis are largely preventable. Appropriate screening and pharmacologic interventions are now available to treat osteoporosis. Initial screening, which is available in our office, often provides information that leads to treatment. The most common method for screening is the DEXA dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, the technical standard for measuring bone mineral density. It is relatively inexpensive and has a very modest radiation exposure.

Osteoporosis screening is recommended for all postmenopausal women ages 65 or older. It is also recommended in postmenopausal women younger than 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis.

Risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women include:

  • History of previous fracture
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Caucasian race
  • Dementia
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Low weight and body mass index
  • Estrogen deficiency
  • Long-term low calcium intake
  • Alcoholism
  • Chronic steroid use
  • Use of certain antidepressants
  • Inadequate physical activity
  • Hyperthyroidism

Women First is pleased to be able to offer osteoporosis screening and counseling regarding therapies for osteoporosis in our office.

Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?

Your annual women’s health appointment is a vital part of your health care, and the perfect time to talk to your Care Team about your personal health questions.

Learn More

Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?

Learn More

What People Are Saying

Toni G
2022-06-02
I've been seeing Dr. Price for many years and have always had a great experience with her. Dr. Price has always listened to me and addressed all of my questions and concerns. My only complaint is with a former nurse I saw for medical issues who didn't further investigate them and it got progressively worse. Luckily the current nurse practitioner diagnosed me correctly and have received the correct treatment.
Morgan Miller
2022-04-22
When I was looking for a gyno, Jeanette and Dr. Booth came highly recommended from family that see them and rightly so! Jeanette has the best bedside manner and takes the time to be thorough and understand the patient. When I had an issue outside of office hours, I was able to submit a question on the Follow My Health app and got a phone call in less than 30 minutes from the care team. They’re the best and I tell everyone about them!
Jennifer Stephens
2022-04-15
I’ve been a patient at Women 1st for 16 years and cannot say enough about this practice. Every staff member is caring, friendly, and very good at what they do. The physicians & nurses are some of the best in the state of Kentucky, which is why I currently live in Georgetown and drive to Louisville to continue my care. Highly recommend Dr. Warren or Dr. Price!
Kailee Kaiser
2022-02-17
Jeannette Jaggers, APRN is GREAT! I drive a hour and a half just to see her! Makes you feel comfortable and truly cares about YOU! Very happy to have her as my OB/GYN.