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Pharmacy Links

SHOULD ALL WOMEN CONTEMPLATING HRT HAVE A BONE DENSITY SCAN?

21st April 2009

No, it is unrealistic for every woman contemplating HRT to ask for a bone density scan as the procedure is offered by only a small number of centres and the cost to women varies from about $30 to over $100. The federal government is considering introducing a Medicare rebate for the procedure. What’s more important is that it’s not necessary for every woman.

Those for whom bone density scans are appropriate have one or more of the following characteristics:

- a family history of osteoporosis

- an experience of breaking a bone around the time of menopause with very little force applied

- strong risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a history of absent periods for six or more months, heavy smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, prolonged immobilisation and a poor diet

- difficulty deciding whether or not to remain on HRT now that symptom control is no longer the purpose for it

There may also be some women without symptoms who are contemplating HRT, and the bone density measurement will help them make their decision.