The Preventative Importance of DEXA Scans
You may have heard of DEXA scans online lately. DEXA, which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is a fast, painless imaging test that uses very low-dose X-rays, lower than that of a chest X-ray, to measure bone mineral density. It is the gold standard test used to diagnose bone-thinning conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, and to predict your risk of future bone fractures.
Most insurance plans won't cover a DEXA scan for women until age 65; for men, 70. However, it may be covered if you already have a diagnosis or risk factors that meet specific criteria. Neither of these pertain to me. What I do have is a family history of osteoporosis so it was important to me to get a baseline now and learn of any issues I may have so I have time to address them. I decided to pay out of pocket and book the scan myself.
Here's what happened, what I learned, and why I think more women in their 40s and 50s should consider doing the same.
Why I Didn't Wait
The path to osteoporosis isn’t traveled overnight. Bone density loss is quiet. There's no symptom that tells you it's happening until you've already lost a meaningful amount, often not until a fracture forces the conversation. Given that this condition runs in my family, I didn't want my first data point to come at 65. I wanted a baseline now, while I still have time to take action.
A baseline matters because bone density is a trend, not a snapshot. One scan alone tells you where you are. A scan today, compared against a scan five or ten years from now, tells you which direction you're headed and how fast. Without a starting point, you're just guessing.
What the Scan Actually Involves
The DEXA scan was quick and painless. I laid down on a table while the scanner passed over me.. The whole thing took me about 20 minutes.
I also had a body composition scan done at the same visit, which breaks down lean mass, fat mass, and where that fat is distributed. It also shows the amount of visceral fat around your organs. It's a different kind of data than a scale gives you and it showed me not just "how much" but "made of what."
The cost of a DEXA scan and body comp varies by location and provider, so it's worth calling around. For me, it was a worthwhile investment in my health.
What I Found
My spine came back in the normal range. However, my hips showed osteopenia, the stage before osteoporosis where bone density is lower than normal but hasn't crossed into osteoporosis territory yet.
That was a genuine surprise. I don't fit the profile most of us picture when we think "at risk for bone loss." But that's exactly the point: osteopenia doesn't announce itself, and family history is a real signal even when nothing else feels wrong.
What I'm Doing With That Information
The doctor administering the scan gave me several recommendations to help with increasing my bone density. I’m already doing most of them but I will be adding a third-party tested calcium supplement.
Prioritize weight-bearing resistance training as well as jumping, which is one of the few things that directly stimulates bone density
Eat fruits and vegetables high in calcium such as cooked broccoli, kale, bok choy, dried figs, and oranges. For better absorption, eat these with foods rich in magnesium (almonds and pumpkin seeds) and Vitamin D (egg yolks, fortified milk or plant-based milks, and salmon).
Assess calcium and vitamin D intake with my primary care physician
Schedule a follow-up scan in a few years to see whether the trend is stable, improving, or declining
Osteopenia isn't a diagnosis that requires immediate medication for everyone. However, it's a flag to take seriously and act on early, while the intervention options are still about lifestyle rather than pharmaceuticals.
Should You Get One?
If you're in your 40s or 50s and have a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, or other risk factors, I'd say it's worth the conversation with your doctor. If it is not covered by your insurance, it may be worth considering paying out of pocket. The cost of the scan now could be small compared to the cost of finding out too late that you've already experienced significant bone density loss.
This blog post is for general informational purposes and isn't a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis or are considering a DEXA scan, talk with a healthcare provider about what's right for you.
