Osteoporosis - Diagnosis

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Not all older women with osteoporosis develop fractures. There is some evidence that the body partially compensates after menopause by increasing bone strength, which can help offset the risk for fracture. Techniques to measure bone strength may better identify women at higher or lower risk.

Note: Because the standards are based on Caucasian women, they do not necessarily apply to men, children, or to non-Caucasian women. For example, men have a lower risk for fracture at the same SDs as women. Researchers are attempting to establish risk guidelines for these groups as well.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory blood or urine tests for identifying certain markers of bone loss may prove to be useful in certain cases:

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• High levels of the chemicals deoxypyridinoline and C-telopeptide in the blood may indicate increased risk for hip fracture. These substances are produced when bone is broken down.
• A urine test detecting a substance called N-telopeptide may indicate bone loss (although it is not associated with any risk for fracture).

Review Date: 10/18/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

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