Bone loss begins to speed up for all ladies of their mid-30s, so for those who’re underneath 50 and suppose DEXA scans and bone density considerations don’t apply to you—maintain up.
That is info you’ll need underneath your belt sooner fairly than later. Let’s speak about why.
What’s a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (brief for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a fast, non-invasive take a look at that measures the mineral content material of your bones to evaluate bone density and monitor modifications over time.
Whereas it makes use of a small quantity of radiation, publicity is minimal—about one-tenth that of a chest x-ray and fewer than what you’d get from a single day of background radiation.
The scan takes about 10 minutes. You’ll lie on a desk whereas an imaging arm passes over key websites—mostly the lumbar backbone, hip, femoral neck, and wrist.
Why You Would possibly Want a DEXA Scan Sooner Than You Suppose
At this yr’s BHOF Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis, ladies’s well being researcher Dr. Amanda Clark mentioned plainly: “Ready till age 65 to guage skeletal well being is simply too late.”
Why? As a result of ladies start to lose bone quickly within the yr earlier than their closing menstrual interval (the official marker of menopause), and that elevated fee of loss continues for about two years after. On this brief window, ladies lose a mean of 10% of their whole bone mass.
Because the common age of menopause is between 45 and 55, a girl might be dropping bone for 10 to twenty years with none consciousness or intervention.
Bone transforming—a wholesome, lifelong course of through which previous or broken bone is damaged down and changed by new tissue—slows over time. By our mid-30s, bone resorption begins to outpace bone formation, leading to a gradual however regular decline in bone mass.
This loss accelerates throughout the menopausal transition, when estrogen—a key driver of bone formation—declines.
Whereas the CDC and the Bone Well being & Osteoporosis Basis (BHOF) nonetheless advocate a primary DEXA scan at age 65, many specialists are calling for up to date tips that replicate rising proof: Girls profit from having a baseline scan a lot earlier. Quite a few danger components already qualify many ladies for early screening—and insurance coverage will sometimes cowl the scan with a physician’s prescription indicating only one.
Easy methods to Get a Baseline DEXA Sooner
Insurance coverage sometimes covers a DEXA scan when osteoporosis danger is medically justified. With so many danger components—starting from physique composition to medicines—most ladies are seemingly lined for early testing.
Beneath is a non-exhaustive record of danger classes that can assist you start a dialog together with your healthcare supplier:
Physique Composition & Demographic Danger Elements
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Low Physique Weight / Slender Construct – Much less bone mass will increase vulnerability to loss.
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Race – White and Asian ladies face a better danger of osteoporosis.
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Household Historical past – A dad or mum with osteoporosis or a fragility fracture raises your danger.*
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Fall Historical past – A bent to fall will increase fracture danger.*
Even minor falls (from standing peak or much less) that lead to fractures ought to be thought of pink flags. For instance, in case your mother broke her wrist tripping over a rug, that’s thought of a fragility fracture—even when she wasn’t formally recognized with osteoporosis.
Hormonal & Reproductive Elements
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Menopause-Associated Hormone Decline
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Early Menopause (pure or surgical)
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Amenorrhea / Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Dietary & Consuming Conduct Elements
Way of life Elements
Illness-Associated Elements
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Endocrine & Hormonal Issues (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s)
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Gastrointestinal Illnesses (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s)
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Autoimmune Circumstances (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
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Most cancers
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HIV/AIDS
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Anorexia Nervosa
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Vertebral Abnormalities (e.g., scoliosis, unexplained peak loss)
Medicine-Associated Elements
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Glucocorticoids / ACTH
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Antiepileptic Medicine
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Most cancers Hormonal Therapies
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
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SSRIs (Antidepressants)
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Thiazolidinediones (for Kind 2 Diabetes)
Along with this record, on-line instruments such because the Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis Danger Test, FRAX Fracture Danger Evaluation Instrument, and Garvan Fracture Danger Calculator will help estimate your osteoporosis and fracture dangers.
Can I Get a DEXA Scan if I Don’t Have Any Danger Elements?
Sure—you’ll be able to nonetheless select to get one. Out-of-pocket prices sometimes vary from $100–$250, and you may typically use HSA/FSA funds. Whereas it’s an upfront expense, think about it an funding in prevention.
A baseline scan provides you data. And data provides you energy.
Remember to name forward—not all imaging facilities supply self-pay DEXA scans with out a referral.
What Do My DEXA Outcomes Imply?
DEXA scan outcomes are sometimes reported as T-scores and Z-scores.
- The T-score compares your bone mineral density (BMD) to that of a wholesome 30-year-old grownup of the identical organic intercourse (thought of peak bone mass).
- The Z-score compares your BMD to the typical of individuals your age and intercourse.
Osteoporosis is recognized utilizing the T-score. A decrease (extra adverse) rating signifies better bone loss:
Be aware: Z-scores could also be extra helpful for figuring out secondary causes of bone loss in youthful ladies and premenopausal populations.
- A T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 signifies low bone mass (osteopenia).
- A T-score of -2.5 or decrease signifies osteoporosis.
Every T-score level roughly correlates with a share of bone loss. For instance:
- A T-score of -1.0 displays about 10% bone loss
- A T-score of -2.5 displays roughly 25% bone loss
The Backside Line
Given the wide selection of danger components, most ladies are eligible—and sensible—to get an early DEXA scan. Don’t assume your bones are wholesome simply since you really feel wholesome.
Discuss together with your physician about your private danger profile and ask for a prescription to get a baseline scan. Out of your mid-30s on, bone loss is occurring whether or not you see it or not.
The excellent news? You may gradual it down and even construct bone by partaking in confirmed, proactive methods like progressive energy coaching and affect coaching. And since peak bone mass is generally achieved by early maturity, we additionally have to encourage the following technology—our children and youths—to have interaction in bone-building actions now, in order that they’ll have a stronger basis for many years to come back.
Hold lifting, leaping, and looking for sturdy bones at all ages. —Karin
References:
- Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).(2024). DEXA Scans: Details and Stats. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html
- Nationwide Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Pores and skin Illnesses (NIAMS).(n.d.). Osteoporosis. Nationwide Institutes of Well being. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoporosis
- Cosman, F. et al.(2024). Proceedings of the 2024 Santa Fe Bone Symposium: Replace on the Administration of Osteoporosis and Uncommon Bone Illnesses. Bone Studies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094695024000921
- Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis (IOF).(n.d.). Osteoporosis Assets and Danger Instruments. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.basis
- Examine of Girls’s Well being Throughout the Nation (SWAN).(2023). Bone Well being Truth Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.swanstudy.org/wps/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SWAN-Truth-Sheets-Bone.pdf
- College of Alabama at Birmingham.(n.d.). Step 2: Bone Density Testing – Value. UAB Tone Your Bones. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/shp/toneyourbones/step-2-bone-density-testing/value
- Sidecar Well being.(n.d.). DEXA Scan Value: Value Lookup Instrument. Retrieved from https://value.sidecarhealth.com/c/dexa-scan-cost
- Florencio-Silva, R., et al.(2015). Biology of Bone Tissue: Construction, Operate, and Elements That Affect Bone Cells. BioMed Analysis Worldwide, 2015, Article ID 421746. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/421746
- NIH Consensus Improvement Panel.(2001). Osteoporosis Prevention, Analysis, and Remedy. JAMA, 285(6), 785–795. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.6.785
- Nieves, J. W.(2005). Skeletal Results of Vitamins and Nutraceuticals, Past Calcium and Vitamin D. Osteoporosis Worldwide, 16(7), 773–782. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-005-1919-7
- Riggs, B. L., & Melton, L. J.(1986). Involutional Osteoporosis. New England Journal of Medication, 314(26), 1676–1686. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198606263142605
- Krabbe, S., & Christiansen, C.(1984). Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Girls. Journal of Scientific Endocrinology & Metabolism, 59(2), 373–379. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-59-2-373