How is osteoporosis detected?

How is osteoporosis detected?

Frederick Singer (Director of the Endocrine/Bone Disease Program, John Wayne Cancer Institute ) gives expert video advice on: If my mother had a history of osteoporosis why would I get it too?; Can a doctor tell if I have osteoporosis just by looking at me? and more...

Osteoporosis is detected primary by having a bone density test. X-rays, for instance, which are done for a variety of reasons, may give someone the suspicion that there may be osteoporosis, but in fact, the only way to be certain is to have a bone density test.