When should screening for osteoporosis typically begin?

Screening for osteoporosis typically begins at age 65 for women. This recommendation is based on guidelines from organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which suggests that women aged 65 years and older undergo routine screening due to the increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis as age progresses. The rationale for starting screening at this age includes the fact that bone density tends to decrease significantly in postmenopausal women, leading to a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

While there may be other factors that can influence the need for earlier screening, such as family history, previous fractures, or other risk factors, the standard age of 65 is set to ensure that the majority of individuals who are at risk are appropriately identified and managed. Therefore, beginning screening at age 65 aligns with public health strategies aimed at preventing osteoporosis-related fractures in older adults.