Bone Density at Age 67 May Predict Later Bone Health
Bone Density at Age 67 May Predict Later Bone Health
Jan. 18, 2012 -- Women with normal or nearly normal bone density at age 67 may not need repeat testing for about 15 years, according to a new study of nearly 5,000 women.
If bone density was normal or nearly so at the study start, "only 10% developed osteoporosis over 15 years,'' says study researcher Margaret Gourlay, MD, MPH, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "Their bone density was very stable."
Osteoporosis is a leading cause of dangerous and painful fractures. A routine bone density test is recommended for women at age 65. However, guidelines are vague about how often to repeat the test, Gourlay tells WebMD. She says the new research will provide guidance for organizations that make such recommendations.
Not everyone agrees. An interval of 15 years is too long, says Felicia Cosman, MD, senior clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation, who reviewed the study for WebMD. She cites flaws in the study design.
The study is published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
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If bone density was normal or nearly so at the study start, "only 10% developed osteoporosis over 15 years,'' says study researcher Margaret Gourlay, MD, MPH, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "Their bone density was very stable."
Osteoporosis is a leading cause of dangerous and painful fractures. A routine bone density test is recommended for women at age 65. However, guidelines are vague about how often to repeat the test, Gourlay tells WebMD. She says the new research will provide guidance for organizations that make such recommendations.
Not everyone agrees. An interval of 15 years is too long, says Felicia Cosman, MD, senior clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation, who reviewed the study for WebMD. She cites flaws in the study design.
The study is published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Super Foods for Your Bones
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