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Osteoporosis

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed? Understanding Bone Density Tests

Find out what a bone mineral density test is, and at what age they’re recommended.

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on December 8, 2025
Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | December 8, 2025

Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects older adults, especially women. It often does not cause symptoms, so screening is very important. In this video, learn how doctors test for osteoporosis, and at what age you are eligible for osteoporosis screening.

References

International Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Diagnosis.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Bone mineral density test.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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