The Basics
- If you are age 65 or older, it’s time to get a test to find out your bone strength. This is called a bone density test.
- If you are age 60-64, talk to your doctor about testing your bone strength.
A bone density test will tell you if you are at risk for osteoporosis. If you are at risk, your doctor may recommend getting a bone density test every 2 years.
To learn more about your risk for osteoporosis, Check Up on Your Bones with this free interactive tool.
What Happens During a Bone Density Test?
A bone density test does not hurt. It’s like an x-ray or scan of your body. It only takes about 15 minutes.