It is good to have guidelines, and we need to avoid unnecessary overtesting; but we have to beware of trying to limit testing by one size fits all guidelines. Perhaps the women screened had other risk factors such as certain medications, other diseases that increase risks, blood tests showing calcium or vitamin D deficiencies, or even had already started showing symptoms such as losing height. For high risk women, the test might even help them and their doctors avoid the prescription meds by showing that a particular woman needs extra suppliments, the right kind of exercises, or even making changes to other prescriptions they are on that might be affecting their bones directly or indirectly.

Maybe whether they have insurance is the reason for unnecessary testing, and not testing when necessary.

I was very surprised to see $200-300 considered "expensive" - that sounds pretty darned cheap to me....

a recent screening shows i now have osteoporosis-previously about 4 years ago i had osteopenia-i am 70 years old-never had a broken bone-weigh the same as i did in highschool -115pds-have allways done physically challengeing work & activities-i have been a light smoker for several years-eat very healthy foods & meals-feel strong-not sure if i should take fosomax as recommended or start using whey protein instead--open to suggestions

about 4 years ago a screening showed i have osteopenia-last week a screeing shows i now have osteoporosis-i am 70 yrs old-have weighed 115 since highschool-allways done physically challengeing work & activities-eat healthy-feel strong/energetic-been a light smoker for many years-recommended i start Fosomax-maybe i should only start taking whey protein-open to suggestion