What's your excuse?

There are many reasons why you might be avoiding or delaying your bone density exam. These reasons may vary depending on where you live, your age group, or your financial situation and can include everything from lack of insurance to simply thinking the test does not apply to you.

These reasons are a reality for many women across the world, but there are ways to work around them. It is time to be proactive and to ask your doctor about bone density testing.

I forgot.
I don't have insurance.
Doctors and hospitals make me nervous.
I am afraid to hear the results of the exam.
A bone density test does not apply to me.

I forgot.
With so many things going on in your daily life, it's sometimes very easy to forget about your own health, especially when it comes to osteoporosis, the “silent disease”. Women can't depend on their doctor to remind them when the test is due, and that is why it is very important to take action and be an advocate for your health and well-being.

Here's how you can remember.
We encourage you to schedule your test during a memorable time of the year; some women use their birthday or their child's birthday as a reminder. Need a friendly nudge to schedule your bone density exam? Sign-up now for our email reminder to help make sure you never miss your exam again. Make the promise to take care of yourself. Do it for yourself and the people you love.
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I don't have insurance.
While lack of insurance is a major barrier to healthcare access, even having insurance does not guarantee access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare. Although men and women have some similar challenges with regard to health insurance, women have greater difficulty affording healthcare services even once they are insured.¹ Not having adequate healthcare coverage is a very real concern for some women and can be a major roadblock to preventative screenings like bone density exams, annual mammograms or Pap tests.

Here's how to get an exam, no matter what.
There’s a wide range of free or low-cost health screenings provided through various national, state and local organizations, government agencies and even businesses. Most free screenings are offered at hospitals, health fairs, pharmacies or senior centers.

One of the best ways to find free or low-cost health screenings in your area is by calling your city, county or state health department to ask if they are planning or know of any upcoming health fairs or free screening programs. Return to top

Doctors and hospitals make me nervous.
People who are unsure of healthcare systems are more likely to postpone treatment or ignore recommendations, potentially hurting their own health and raising overall health care costs. You may be unnerved by doctors for many different reasons, maybe how you were raised or because of a bad experience in the past. These are very real concerns that can affect decisions about taking care of your health.

Here's how to build trust.
The most important way to move past your uncertainty of the medical community is to find a doctor, a practice and/or a hospital that you are comfortable with. Having someone that makes you feel at ease and that you feel comfortable talking to is critical for sharing information and helping you stay in good health. You have to be an advocate for your own health, so don't be afraid to ask questions and work together with your physician to make the best decisions for your well being.

Not sure where to find a good doctor? Ask friends and family for recommendations. Make the promise to see a doctor and ask about bone density testing. Do it for yourself and the people you love. Return to top

I am afraid to hear the results of the exam.
Osteoporosis is a disease that can be prevented and treated and because of this, screening can make a difference. At any age, it is never too late to take steps to protect your bones and prevent broken bones, so don't be afraid of getting tested for osteoporosis.

Here's how to face your fear.
Fear of finding out if you suffer from osteoporosis is totally normal. But there are some things you should know before you give in to your fears. If the test reveals that you have low bone mass or osteoporosis, your healthcare provider will make recommendations about either prevention or treatment that can help restore or maintain bone health.

Medications are used to both prevent and treat osteoporosis and may reduce your chances of having a broken bone. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about your options as well as the benefits and risks of taking medication. Even with medication, you still need to get enough calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise.

So, please get the facts before missing this test. Embrace the power that you do have, face your fear and get screened. Learn more about bone health.
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A bone density test does not apply to me.
While many women probably know how important it is to have an annual mammogram or a regular Pap test, many women may think they do not need to worry about bone health or getting a bone density exam. Osteoporosis is often thought of as “an old person’s disease”, but there are cases where women have had devastating bone fractures in their 30’s.

One painless test.
Osteoporosis is a preventable disease, so it’s so important to take a proactive approach to your bone health. Your healthcare provider may recommend a bone density exam if you are:

• A postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• A woman age 65 or older, even without any risk factors
• A woman after age 50 who has broken a bone
• A woman going through menopause with certain risk factors
• A postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking estrogen therapy (ET) or hormone therapy (HT)

The men in your life may also be candidates for bone density screening if they are:

• A man age 50-70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
• A man age 70 or older, even without any risk factors
• A man after age 50 who has broken a bone²

With most types of bone density tests, the entire process takes only minutes to complete and involves no injections or invasive procedures, meaning that no needles or instruments are placed through the skin or body. It is completely painless and you remain fully clothed.

Even if you are not yet at the age for screening, you still can make an impact on your future bone health. Talk with your doctor about your diet, exercise and taking vitamin supplements like calcium and vitamin D. Have the conversations with your doctor now so we can keep your independence and vitality throughout your life.

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