Osteoporosis Blood Test & Bone Health Panel

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened, porous bones that become highly susceptible to fractures. It is caused by an imbalance between bone breakdown and bone formation, often triggered by estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women, low testosterone in men, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, or excessive bone resorption activity. The Estradiol Ultrasensitive LC/MS/MS test is the most important test for osteoporosis because it measures the primary hormone that regulates bone density and identifies hormonal imbalances driving bone loss.

RECOMMENDED TEST Estradiol, Ultrasensitive, LC/MS/MS
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What causes osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance between bone breakdown and bone formation, where bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts) outpace bone-building cells (osteoblasts). The primary trigger is estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women and low testosterone in men, as these hormones are essential for maintaining bone density. Additional causes include calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, magnesium imbalances, vitamin K insufficiency, prolonged corticosteroid use, thyroid disorders, and inflammatory conditions that stimulate excessive osteoclast activity. Genetic factors, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyle also contribute to accelerated bone loss and weakened bone structure.

What is the best test for osteoporosis?

The Estradiol Ultrasensitive LC/MS/MS test is the most important blood test for osteoporosis because it measures estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen that directly regulates bone density by balancing bone breakdown and formation. Low estradiol levels are the primary driver of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For men, the Testosterone Total test is essential as testosterone deficiency leads to bone loss and fracture risk. Supporting tests include the C-Telopeptide Serum test, which measures bone breakdown activity and helps monitor how rapidly you are losing bone mass, and nutritional tests like Calcium Serum, Magnesium Serum, and Vitamin K to identify deficiencies that weaken bones. The Estrone LC/MS/MS and Total Estrogens tests provide a complete estrogen profile for comprehensive hormone assessment.

When should I get tested for osteoporosis?

You should get tested if you are a postmenopausal woman, a man over 50, or experiencing hormonal changes that affect bone health. Testing is particularly important if you have had fractures from minor falls, have a family history of osteoporosis, take long-term corticosteroid medications, or have conditions like thyroid disorders or early menopause. You should also consider testing if you notice height loss, developing a stooped posture, persistent back pain, or if you have risk factors like smoking, excessive alcohol use, low body weight, or a sedentary lifestyle. Women approaching menopause and men with symptoms of low testosterone should get baseline testing to catch bone loss early when intervention is most effective.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because early stages typically have no symptoms. As the condition progresses, you might notice back pain caused by fractured or collapsed vertebrae, loss of height over time, a stooped or hunched posture (dowagers hump), and bones that break much more easily than expected. Fractures can occur from minor falls, bumps, or even sneezing or coughing in severe cases. The most common fracture sites are the spine, hip, and wrist. Many people only discover they have osteoporosis after experiencing their first fracture, which is why preventive screening and blood testing for bone health markers is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals.
Who is at risk for osteoporosis?
Women over 50, especially postmenopausal women, face the highest risk due to declining estrogen levels that accelerate bone loss. Men over 70 and younger men with low testosterone are also at increased risk. Additional risk factors include family history of osteoporosis or fractures, small body frame or low body weight, Caucasian or Asian ethnicity, early menopause or surgical removal of ovaries, and long-term use of corticosteroids or certain medications. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition with inadequate calcium and vitamin D increase risk. Medical conditions including thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and eating disorders also significantly elevate osteoporosis risk.
What happens if osteoporosis is left untreated?
Untreated osteoporosis leads to progressive bone deterioration, dramatically increasing fracture risk from everyday activities. Hip fractures are particularly serious and can result in loss of independence, long-term disability, and increased mortality risk, especially in older adults. Spinal fractures cause chronic pain, height loss, stooped posture, and can compress internal organs, affecting breathing and digestion. Multiple fractures significantly reduce quality of life, limiting mobility and daily activities. The cascading effect of fractures often leads to prolonged immobility, which further accelerates bone loss and increases risk of blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle wasting. Early detection through blood testing and intervention with hormone replacement, supplements, and medications can prevent these devastating complications and preserve bone strength.
Can osteoporosis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Osteoporosis is primarily diagnosed through bone density scans (DEXA), but blood tests are essential for identifying the underlying causes and risk factors driving bone loss. Blood tests measure hormone levels like estradiol and testosterone that regulate bone density, nutritional markers like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K that support bone structure, and bone turnover markers like C-Telopeptide that indicate how rapidly bone is being broken down. These tests help your healthcare provider understand why you are losing bone mass and develop targeted treatment strategies. Blood testing is particularly valuable for monitoring treatment effectiveness, identifying reversible causes of bone loss, and assessing fracture risk before significant bone density decline occurs.
How is osteoporosis treated?
Osteoporosis treatment focuses on slowing bone loss, strengthening existing bone, and preventing fractures through multiple approaches. Medications include bisphosphonates that slow bone breakdown, hormone therapy with estrogen for postmenopausal women or testosterone for men with deficiencies, and bone-building medications for severe cases. Nutritional supplementation with calcium (1,000-1,200 mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU daily) is essential, along with magnesium and vitamin K if blood tests show deficiencies. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, strength training, and balance exercises help build bone and prevent falls. Lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and fall-proofing your home. Regular monitoring through blood tests and bone density scans ensures treatment effectiveness and guides adjustments.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Prevention starts with building maximum bone density during youth and young adulthood through calcium-rich diet (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods) and regular weight-bearing exercise. Throughout life, maintain adequate calcium (1,000-1,200 mg daily) and vitamin D (800-1,000 IU daily) intake through diet or supplements. Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training at least 3-4 times weekly. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to no more than one drink daily for women and two for men. Maintain healthy body weight, as being underweight increases fracture risk. Get regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels, especially around menopause or andropause, and nutritional markers. Address hormonal imbalances promptly with your healthcare provider to prevent accelerated bone loss.
What natural remedies help with osteoporosis?
Natural approaches to support bone health include dietary strategies and lifestyle modifications that complement medical treatment. Consume calcium-rich foods like dairy products, sardines with bones, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified plant milks. Include vitamin K sources like kale, spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to support calcium utilization in bones. Get safe sun exposure (10-15 minutes daily) or take vitamin D3 supplements to enhance calcium absorption. Magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and avocados support bone formation. Practice weight-bearing exercises and resistance training to stimulate bone growth and improve balance to prevent falls. Consider traditional remedies like prunes (5-6 daily) which research shows may slow bone loss. Reduce inflammation with omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flax seeds. However, always combine natural approaches with medical monitoring and blood testing to ensure effectiveness.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Testosterone 375 ng/dL
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375 ng/dL

What this means

Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

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* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.

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Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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