When are these tests requested?
In some cases, bone markers are requested with other bone mineral density tests to diagnose a bone disease. Usually, however, bone markers are requested periodically to monitor patients who already have a diagnosed bone condition and who are undergoing therapy to see how well they are responding to treatment.
FAQs
1. How is osteoporosis treated? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and related drugs such as raloxifene can help maintain bone density in women after the menopause. Bisphosphonates such as alendronate also help to maintain bone density and prevent fractures, and the hormone calcitonin can be used to prevent bone resorption.
2. How prevalent is osteoporosis? The condition affects approximately 3 million people in the UK. Of these, 80% are women.
Related Sites Elswhere on the Web
National Osteoporosis Society
The National Association for the Relief of Paget's Disease
NHS Direct
