Disease Prevention in Women »
Disease prevention in women overview
Screening tests are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may
be available elsewhere. Take an active role and discuss screening tests with
your doctor early in life. The following charts are beneficial (generally simple
and safe) screening tests that can help detect diseases and conditions before
they become harmful.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition with progressive loss of bone density leading to
bone fractures. Estrogen is important
in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates. Thus osteoporosis is most
common among postmenopausal women.
Screening tests
Measurement of bone density using dual energy X-ray
absorptiometry (DEXA) scan
DEXA bone density scanning can:
- detect osteoporosis before fractu...
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