A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in America has recently revealed that women who are in a habit of taking frequent treatment for osteoporosis should not be doing so. It has been suggested by the team that women must take a pause of minimum 15 years between two successive tests.

It has been found that 12 million Americans suffer from Osteoporosis after age 50, including half of post-menopausal women. The researchers believe that frequent checkups for common disease in old age should be avoided, as each screening costs about $250 and is not worth spending. However, current guidelines regarding the treatment of osteoporosis point towards extra tests and increasing costs. As per guidelines set by the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force, women should go for a bone density test at a gap of every two years, which might be because of insufficient knowledge.

Osteoporosis is a common disease that is diagnosed in women aged 80 or more, though it is measured normally at 65. The disease means a loss in bone density that could cause breaks and injuries. The team said that it does not develop at a fast pace, and is not worth a huge concern. It is thus suggested by the team that in case women have apt bone density at the age of 65, they must not go for test for at least 15 years.

One of the study authors, Margaret Gourlay, said: "There's strong belief that the more we test, the more we are helping patients". However, unnecessary tests may result in false prescription of drugs like Warner Chilcott's Actonel or Eli Lilly & Co.'s Evista. In addition, it can also result in increasing the risk instead of providing protection to its users.