Table 15.

Indications for Bone Mineral Density Testing

All women 65 y of age or older

All postmenopausal women

With a history of fracture(s) without major trauma after age 40 to 45 y

With osteopenia identified radiographically

Starting or taking long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy (≥3 mo)

Other perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with risk factors for   osteoporosis if willing to consider pharmacologic interventions

Low body weight (<127 lb or body mass index <20 kg/m2)

Ever use of long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy (≥3 mo)

Family history of osteoporotic fracture

Early menopause

Current smoking

Excessive consumption of alcohol

Secondary osteoporosis (see Table 9)