We have state of the art equipment for osteoporosis screening. This is the DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) machine and it is most often used in patients who are going through or have gone through menopause and who are not on estrogen. These patients are at much higher risk of having their bones weakened by loss of calcium than patients who are on estrogen. There are various reasons why patients cannot take estrogen, a history of having had breast cancer being a very valid one. However, others are somewhat reluctant to take any medications and it is in these patients that it is important to determine whether there is progressive bone loss. Other reasons for doing the screeing are:

• Abnormal findings on X-Ray indicating bone loss
• Abnormal findings on X-Ray indicating bone loss
• Patients on long term cortisone therapy
• Patients with primary hyperthyroidism
• Those who are under active treatment for osteoporosis to evaluate effectiveness

The test takes about 30 minutes and can be scheduled by calling our office at (318)984-1050

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