Committee opinion #270: bone density screening for osteoporosis

Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is an effective approach for the early detection of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Gynecologic Practice recommends BMD testing for all postmenopausal women aged 65 years or older and for all postmenopausal women who present with fractures. The Committee also concludes that BMD testing may be recommended to postmenopausal women younger than 65 years who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis. Bone mineral density testing also may be useful for premenopausal and postmenopausal women who present with certain diseases or medical conditions and those who take certain drugs associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.