Osteoporosis testing plays important role in treatment

Regular bone density testing is important for individuals who may be at risk for developing osteoporosis. Experts say that the condition presents few symptoms, but it can be treated much more effectively when it is diagnosed in its early stages. This can enable doctors to provide patients with a prescription to buy Fosamax.

"Key to treating the disease is prevention and identification of high-risk patients before fractures occur," David Samadi, of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recently wrote for the website of Fox News. "The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for osteoporosis in all women ages 65 and older with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry."

He added that other lifestyle factors, such as eating a healthy diet and not smoking, may lower a person's overall risk of developing the condition. However, testing is still important because many people develop osteoporosis who do not have obvious risk factors for the condition.

About 200 million women worldwide have weakened bones, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Many of these women may not be aware of their condition, which prevents them from starting on a prescription to buy Fosamax.