Bone loss begins to speed up for all girls of their mid-30s, so if you happen to’re underneath 50 and assume DEXA scans and bone density considerations don’t apply to you—maintain up.
That is data you’ll need underneath your belt sooner reasonably than later. Let’s speak about why.
What’s a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (quick for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a fast, non-invasive check 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 May Want a DEXA Scan Sooner Than You Assume
At this yr’s BHOF Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis, girls’s well being researcher Dr. Amanda Clark stated plainly: “Ready till age 65 to guage skeletal well being is just too late.”
Why? As a result of girls start to lose bone quickly within the yr earlier than their ultimate menstrual interval (the official marker of menopause), and that elevated price of loss continues for about two years after. On this quick window, girls lose a mean of 10% of their whole bone mass.
For the reason that common age of menopause is between 45 and 55, a girl could possibly be dropping bone for 10 to twenty years with none consciousness or intervention.
Bone transforming—a wholesome, lifelong course of wherein 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 consultants are calling for up to date tips that replicate rising proof: Girls profit from having a baseline scan a lot earlier. Quite a few threat elements already qualify many ladies for early screening—and insurance coverage will usually cowl the scan with a physician’s prescription indicating only one.
Easy methods to Get a Baseline DEXA Sooner
Insurance coverage usually covers a DEXA scan when osteoporosis threat is medically justified. With so many threat elements—starting from physique composition to medicines—most girls are doubtless lined for early testing.
Beneath is a non-exhaustive checklist of threat classes that can assist you start a dialog along 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 girls face a better threat of osteoporosis.
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Household Historical past – A dad or mum with osteoporosis or a fragility fracture raises your threat.*
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Fall Historical past – An inclination to fall will increase fracture threat.*
Even minor falls (from standing peak or much less) that lead to fractures needs to be thought of purple 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 identified 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 Habits Elements
Life-style Elements
Illness-Associated Elements
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Endocrine & Hormonal Issues (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s)
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Gastrointestinal Ailments (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s)
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Autoimmune Situations (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)
Treatment-Associated Elements
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Glucocorticoids / ACTH
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Antiepileptic Medication
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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 checklist, on-line instruments such because the International Osteoporosis Foundation Risk Check, FRAX Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, and Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator can assist 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 usually vary from $100–$250, and you’ll typically use HSA/FSA funds. Whereas it’s an upfront expense, contemplate it an funding in prevention.
A baseline scan offers you data. And data offers 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 usually 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 common of individuals your age and intercourse.
Osteoporosis is identified utilizing the T-score. A decrease (extra unfavorable) rating signifies better bone loss:
Observe: Z-scores could also be extra helpful for figuring out secondary causes of bone loss in youthful girls 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 proportion 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 threat elements, most girls are eligible—and clever—to get an early DEXA scan. Don’t assume your bones are wholesome simply since you really feel wholesome.
Speak along with your physician about your private threat profile and ask for a prescription to get a baseline scan. Out of your mid-30s on, bone loss is going on whether or not you see it or not.
The excellent news? You possibly can gradual it down and even construct bone by participating in confirmed, proactive methods like progressive strength training and impact training. And since peak bone mass is generally achieved by early maturity, we additionally have to encourage the subsequent technology—our youngsters 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.
Preserve lifting, leaping, and searching for sturdy bones at all ages. —Karin
References:
- Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC).(2024). DEXA Scans: Information 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 Ailments (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 Ailments. Bone Studies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094695024000921
- Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis (IOF).(n.d.). Osteoporosis Sources and Danger Instruments. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.foundation
- Examine of Girls’s Well being Throughout the Nation (SWAN).(2023). Bone Well being Reality Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.swanstudy.org/wps/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SWAN-Fact-Sheets-Bone.pdf
- College of Alabama at Birmingham.(n.d.). Step 2: Bone Density Testing – Price. UAB Tone Your Bones. Retrieved from https://www.uab.edu/shp/toneyourbones/step-2-bone-density-testing/cost
- Sidecar Well being.(n.d.). DEXA Scan Price: Price Lookup Software. Retrieved from https://cost.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 Growth 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 Drugs, 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
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