Bone Density Scans
Yes, most women should have at least one scan done after reaching Menopause, to set up a base line.
My wife (55 years old) suffers from "Established Osteoporosis." With the severe bone loss in such a relative short time, additional tests were needed to determine if the present treatment was being effective.
We believe that a major condition of malnutrition accompanied with the onset of Peripheral Neuropathy, and extremely low Electrolyte and Potassium levels, contributed to the massive loss of bone density in such a quick period of time. Her weight plummeted from 117 lbs to 83 lbs in a matter of a few months.
She is not, at this time on Vitamin D or Fosamax. Another bout with weight loss and stomach discomfort, has deemed it necessary to go off of the drug, until she is feeling better and her weight improves. She is at 97 lbs and slowly gaining weight. She recently had another density test, and it shows positive results of stabilizing. Her doctor plans on continuing the treatment of Fosamax, when her general health, improves.
I will ask about the 75mg once a week treatment, at that time.
I have learned that nutrition, exercise, and preventative medicine can go a long way in slowing down and preventing this crippling disease.
Types of Osteoporosis:
Normal, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, and Established osteoporosis.
http://imaginis.com/osteoporosis/osteo_diagnose.asp