Osteoporosis: a good friend was just diagnosed at age 38.?

Should she get a second opinion? Should she have the bone density test redone? Are there any other tests (i.e. blood tests) that can confirm this diagnosis?

Second opinions are always a good idea. DEXA scans is the best way to diagnose Osteo. Source(s): Myself, I have it and I am 37

THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON - GOOGLE OSTEOPEROSIS AND READ UP ON IT
Diagnosis

Women who have had a fracture due to fragility are diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and have a high risk for another fracture. Early diagnosis can prevent fractures and slow deterioration of bone tissue. By measuring bone mineral density (BMD) physicians determine if a patient has osteoporosis and/or is at risk for bone fracture. This testing also helps to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. BMD testing is a quick, noninvasive, and painless procedure.

Women who are at high risk for osteoporosis, even if asymptomatic, may benefit from BMD testing. Criteria include the following:
Over age 65, with or without other risk factors
Postmenopausal and has had a fracture
Considering therapy for osteoporosis
Long-term steroid treatment
Medical conditions associated with osteoporosis

In early postmenopausal women, testing focuses on BMD in the spine. In women over 65, bone density in the hip, spine, or wrist can be measured.

Screening
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans the entire body and measures BMD. From the results, physicians assess the risk for fracture in the hip, spine, and wrist. DEXA produces a high resolution image, resulting in a precise BMD measurement. The level of radiation is low and the test takes less than 5 minutes. DEXA effectively monitors changes in bone density during treatment.

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures bone density in the hip and spine and produces a three-dimensional image that shows true volume density. QCT has the capacity to isolate an area for testing. The radiation level in QCT is 10 times higher than in DEXA.

Peripheral bone density testing uses ultrasound to identify bone loss in a localized area such as the heel or hand.
http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/osteo...
Yes, second opinion is always good to get. Her doctor will probably put her actonel( they are bone pills). Yes, there are other tests.