Bone Mineral Density is the only test that can safely diagnose osteoporosis, because it is the only one that can accurately measure the mass and bone density. Ask your doctor if you should do it. It’s an exam that should not be overlooked by all women who are approaching menopause, especially if they have never concerned themselves with osteoporosis prevention.
The BMD measures bone mass using an X-ray, or in more modern cases, using an ultrasound (in the case of phalanx or calcaneus), which allows it to reliably identify the reduction of bone mass, and thus to predict the risk of fracture.
