What is the age threshold for routine DXA screening in postmenopausal women, according to the North American Menopause Society?

What is the age threshold for routine DXA screening in postmenopausal women, according to the North American Menopause Society?

• A. 50 years
• B. 60 years
• C. 65 years or older
• D. 70 years

Answer: (C)

Routine DXA screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women begins at age 65. The guideline allows for earlier, selective screening in women aged 50–64 if there are additional fracture risk factors such as a prior fragility fracture, long-term glucocorticoid use, low BMI, smoking, or a family history of hip fracture. This approach aims to identify those at higher risk while avoiding routine screening in lower-risk younger postmenopausal women. Ages 50 or 60 fall below the routine threshold, while 70 would be screened routinely because it is above 65.

Routine DXA screening for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women begins at age 65. The guideline allows for earlier, selective screening in women aged 50–64 if there are additional fracture risk factors such as a prior fragility fracture, long-term glucocorticoid use, low BMI, smoking, or a family history of hip fracture. This approach aims to identify those at higher risk while avoiding routine screening in lower-risk younger postmenopausal women. Ages 50 or 60 fall below the routine threshold, while 70 would be screened routinely because it is above 65.