A bone density test determines the strength of your bones. Your physian may order a bone density test if you:

• are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen
• have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking
• are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds)
• are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss
•  use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs
• have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis
• have a thyroid condition
• have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism
• have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma
• have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis
• If you  have lost more than an inch of height or have unexplained back pain