the american medical association and other reputable medical organizations have determined that repeat bone density testing (dxa scans) is not indicated in monitoring osteoporosis treatment or prevention on a routine basis. it is scientifically premature to measure bone density as a way of monitoring osteoporosis medications. bone density changes so slowly with treatment that the changes are smaller than the measurement error of the machine. in other words repeat dxa scans cannot distinguish between a real increase in bone density due to treatment or a mere variation in measurement from the machine itself.
are bone density tests used to monitor osteoporosis therapy?