Signs and symptoms
In the early stages of bone loss, you usually have no pain or symptoms. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include:
- Back pain, which can be severe if you have a fractured or collapsed vertebra
- Loss of height over time, with an accompanying stooped posture
- Fracture of the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones

Screening and diagnosis
Osteopenia refers to mild bone loss that isn't severe enough to be called osteoporosis, but that increases your risk of osteoporosis. Doctors can detect osteopenia or early signs of osteoporosis using a variety of devices to measure bone density. The best screening test is dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). This procedure is quick, simple and gives accurate results. It measures the density of bones in your spine, hip and wrist — the areas most likely to be affected by osteoporosis — and it’s used to accurately follow changes in these bones over time. Other tests that can accurately measure bone density include ultrasound and quantitative computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

If you're a woman, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that you have a bone density test if you aren't taking estrogen and any of these conditions apply:

- You use medications such as prednisone that can cause osteoporosis.
- You have type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
- You experienced early menopause.
- You're postmenopausal, older than 50 and have at least one risk factor for osteoporosis.
- You're postmenopausal, older than 65 and have never had a bone density test.

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