How is osteoporosis diagnosed?

Bone density testing: The best test is a bone density test (known as a DXA scan). This painless test measures the density of your bones. Your doctor uses this test to predict the risk of bone fracture in the future. Sometimes a spine or hip xray can show fractures of your spine/vertebra which can indicate undiagnosed osteoporosis but usually the first test is the DXA scan.

DXA scan hip & spine: There are many causes of osteoporosis in men as well as premenopausal women. Check with your doctor.

Osteoporosis: Conventional radiography & measuring bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Also by blood tests to determine causes.