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A 53-year-old female asked:
what are the most investigative tests for bone loss, when one has severe osteoporosis?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Cunnar answered
Family Medicine 27 years experience
DEXA and blood: The gold standard for osteoporosis is DEXA scanning. Other options for evaluating severe osteoporosis are blood tests which can measure bone breakdown, as well as MRI scanning which can show thinning of the bones... But DEXA is still the gold standard.
4910 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Turner answered
Family Medicine 37 years experience
It depends: Generally speaking, bone density testing along with appropriate laboratory testing: cbc, calcium levels, metabolic panel, iron, ferritin, thyroid, and vitamin d testing. More extensive testing may be done depending on your history, presentation, or abnormalities of the above tests: 24 hour urine calcium, parathyroid hormone, sedimentation rate, etc.
4910 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Peter Ihle answered
Orthopedic Surgery 54 years experience
Check ca & V-D intak: U need adequate intake of both, also important is weight bearing exercise, walking is all u need 2 do. Institute a walking program, starting slowly & also advance it slowly. A dietitian consult may help. Also b sure ur md clears u 4 it . Good running shoes with wide heels r good 4 stability. If u purchase at a big store like sheels if you have trouble with them they have a good return policy.
4910 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Feb 19, 2015
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