Many people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until they fracture a bone. For this reason, it is often called the “silent disease.” But a bone mineral density (BMD) test may help you break the silence.

A BMD test is a quick, safe, and painless test that measures the strength of your bones. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that women and men ages 65 and older who had a BMD test had a 36 percent lower hip fracture risk six years later than unscreened adults. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends that all women ages 65 and older have a BMD test. It is best to ask your physician whether you should have a BMD test.