In which population is osteoporosis screening especially important?

• A. Adolescent girls
• B. Premenopausal women
• C. Postmenopausal women
• D. Men

Answer: (C)

After menopause, the drop in estrogen speeds up bone loss, so bone mineral density decreases more rapidly and fracture risk rises. Screening with a bone density test (DXA) in postmenopausal women helps detect osteoporosis or low bone mass early, allowing timely treatment to prevent fragility fractures with options like calcium and vitamin D optimization, lifestyle changes, and medications that reduce bone loss. Adolescent girls are still building peak bone mass, so routine screening isn’t indicated; premenopausal women and men have a lower immediate risk of osteoporosis, so screening is not as routinely prioritized in them.