Estimating fracture risk: Assessments of bone mass and mineral content are usually unnecessary when a woman entering menopause has decided to take estrogen; the results will not change the clinical course of action. The same is true when a woman unconditionally refuses estrogen therapy. The tests are most useful for the patient who is undecided about postmenopausal estrogen therapy. If densitometry reveals a significant risk for osteoporosis, she may assent to treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is the gold standard.