We are excited to announce that Lexington OB/GYN offers Dexa Bone Densitometry—the “gold standard” for osteoporosis detection—to our patients.

Osteoporosis poses a serious threat to 43 million Americans—80% of whom are women. Half of all women past menopause are at risk of developing osteoporosis… One out of two will fracture.

Most bone loss occurs during the first 10 years following the onset of menopause, when women lose bone density every year unless treated. That’s why the detection and treatment of bone loss during these years are critical. But sadly, fewer than 10% of women with osteoporosis have been diagnosed and are currently under treatment.

We have a Hologic x-ray bone densitometer in our office to screen at-risk patients for bone loss. The test results identify if you are at risk for osteoporosis and fracture so that you may begin therapeutic intervention to prevent further bone loss.

You and your doctor will discuss your risk factors for bone loss and decide if and when you should have a bone density test performed. You must have a bone density prescription from your doctor for the test to be performed. Please call the office to schedule your bone density if it is time for you to be screened or have a follow-up study.

The test involves lying on an x-ray table and having your spine and leg scanned by an x-ray machine while you remain dressed and comfortably positioned. The test is performed by a licensed radiation technician and takes approximately 20 minutes. Your doctor will interpret the test results and call you to discuss your bone density and any interventions that are indicated.

Risk Factors
(the more times you answer YES the greater your risk)

• Have you been previously diagnosed with bone loss (Osteoporosis or Osteopenia)?
• Has one or both of your parents been diagnosed with osteoporosis, broken bones, height loss or curvature of the spine?
• Do you have a low body weight (under 127lbs) or are you small and thin?
• Have you lost height?
• Are you Caucasian or of Asian or Latino descent?
• Are you post menopausal?
• Do you have a low dietary calcium intake?
• Do you drink more than 330mgs of caffeine a day? (cup of coffee 82.mg, 12oz diet coke 43.6mg, 12oz coca cola classic 34mg)
• Do you smoke or have a history of smoking?

If you have questions regarding the above risk factors, bone loss or bone disease, please call the office to schedule an appointment. A phone consultation regarding these issues is not covered by insurance and will result in a charge to you (see the financial policy).

What should I expect at that time of BMD testing?

This depends on the type of bone density test you are having. However, all are non-surgical and involve a painless examination that does not involve injections or contrast materials. You may have to wear a gown and have your height and weight measured. The lumbar spine/hips along with various other skeletal sites are usually examined. The time it takes to perform these tests varies depending on a number of factors.

Some items to consider as you prepare for your test include:

• Eat a normal diet on the day of the test.
• Take your medications as you normally would.
• DO NOT take calcium supplements for 48 hours before the test.
• On the day of the test, leave valuables at home.
• Do not wear jewelry or body piercings to the examination.
• The test should be performed prior to oral, rectal or IV contrast studies, or at least 7 days after any of these studies.