
White women notice higher osteoporosis risks
All women over 65 years old should be screened regularly for osteoporosis, new guidelines explain.
In addition to the suggestions for women over 65, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests that young white women with bone loss risks receive regular screening as well. Osteoporosis risk factors include family history of fractures, and the use of alcohol and tobacco.
New findings show that white women experience higher instances of bone loss, causing professionals to alter guidelines for screening.
Since the population of individuals over the age of 65 years old is growing, it is important to take this matter seriously, experts stress. Additionally, informing younger patients of the risks may improve the number of people willing to receive early screening tests.
Bone density loss presents high risks for fractures, as does the decline of estrogen women experience as they age.
The guidelines come from scientific evidence but fail to account for potential costs of these new guidelines.
For more information on this matter, the entire guidelines can be found on the USPSTF site.