Are home test kits worth it? Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
What are the symptoms? There aren't any obvious symptoms, because it develops over a number of years, but a bone fracture after a minor fall is one sign. Sufferers may also find themselves stooping forward and having bad back pain.
The DIY test
Osteoporosis Home Test, £49.99, Homechec, www.homechec.co.uk Tel: 0871 871 0691
Claim: 'This detects a substance in the urine called DpD (Deoxypyridinoline) which is an accurate marker of how much bone mass you've lost and whether you have osteoporosis.'
What do you do? You send off a urine sample in a pre-paid, pre-addressed postal tube. Results arrive in the post a few days later.
Expert verdict: Expensive and not a test for osteoporosis but an indication of bone loss. This test could cause needless worry - 2/10
What else can you do?
You can change your diet and increase your exercise levels to try and strengthen your bones. If you're worried you may have osteoporosis, the only surefire way of telling is to get a DEXA scan, a special X-ray that checks bone density.
- Read more: Allergy test
More help and advice
- The facts about osteoporosis
- Tips on improving your condition
- The expert view on osteoporosis
By Julia Shaw
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