Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women 65 and over get a bone density test once. Bone loss is typically so slow that repeating a bone density test more often than every two years is not necessary. Most insurers, including Medicare, will pay for testing every two years.

Osteopenia is not a disease but a warning sign that you have lower than normal bone density, which can raise the risk of fractures somewhat and develop over time into osteoporosis, says Dr. Michael F. Holick, director of the bone health clinic at Boston University Medical Center.