ACOG Releases Recommendations for
Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis

WASHINGTON, DC -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a new committee opinion which recommends that all postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older and others with certain risk factors be screened for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is an often painful and crippling condition that affects 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women.

ACOG advises that bone mineral density (BMD) testing is especially important for the following groups:

  • all postmenopausal women who have sustained a fracture, to confirm the diagnosis of osteoporosis and to determine the severity of the disease

  • all postmenopausal women under 65 years of age who have one or more risk factors, including having a personal history of fracture as an adult, being of Caucasian race, having impaired eyesight despite adequate correction, and having a history of alcoholism

  • According to ACOG, BMD testing may be useful for pre- or postmenopausal women with certain diseases or medical conditions associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. These include:
    • endometriosis
    • rheumatoid arthritis
    • hemophilia
    • lymphoma and leukemia
    • eating and nutritional disorders
    • multiple sclerosis.

  • Individuals exposed to certain drugs associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, such as tobacco in cigarettes, lithium, and heparin, may also benefit from BMD testing.

    Women who meet these criteria should undergo a baseline screening for osteoporosis. Just call our office at 206-386-3600 to schedule your bone density testing. It can be done in minutes and help prevent you from suffering from osteoporosis.

    The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the national medical organization representing nearly 40,000 physicians who provide health care for women.

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