Medical guidelines recommend getting a DEXA scan at these ages:
- Women: 65 and older
- Men: 70 and older
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with osteoporosis risk factors
- Men under 70 with osteoporosis risk factors
- Anyone over 50 who has had a fracture
- Individuals on medications or with medical conditions that weaken bones
🚀 If you fall into one of these categories, a DEXA scan can help assess your bone density and prevent fractures.
Key Risk Factors That Indicate You Need a DEXA Scan Sooner
Even if you’re under 65 (women) or under 70 (men), you may need a DEXA scan earlier if you have risk factors for osteoporosis.
📌 Common Risk Factors for Low Bone Density:
1️⃣ Family History of Osteoporosis
- If a parent or sibling has osteoporosis or has suffered fractures, your risk is higher.
2️⃣ Early Menopause or Hormonal Changes
- Menopause before 45 accelerates bone loss due to low estrogen.
- Low testosterone in men can weaken bones.
3️⃣ History of Fractures After Age 50
- If you’ve broken a bone from a minor fall, it’s a red flag for osteoporosis.
4️⃣ Use of Medications That Affect Bone Health
- Long-term corticosteroid use (e.g., prednisone) can weaken bones.
- Cancer treatments, seizure medications, acid reflux drugs may also reduce bone density.
5️⃣ Low Body Weight or Poor Nutrition
- People with low body weight (BMI under 18.5) have less bone mass, increasing fracture risk.
- Calcium or vitamin D deficiencies accelerate bone loss.
6️⃣ Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Smoking reduces calcium absorption, weakening bones.
- Heavy alcohol intake interferes with bone-building cells, increasing fracture risk.
👉 If you have any of these risk factors, you should get a DEXA scan earlier than the recommended age.
Warning Signs That You Should Get a Bone Density Scan ASAP
📌 If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a DEXA scan immediately:
- Frequent fractures or broken bones from minor falls
- Loss of height (shrinking by more than 1 inch over time)
- Chronic back pain (which may indicate spinal fractures)
- Poor posture or developing a hunchback (kyphosis)
- Sudden muscle weakness or balance issues
🚀 These symptoms may indicate osteoporosis or early-stage bone loss, making early detection through a DEXA scan critical.
What to Expect During a DEXA Scan
📌 A DEXA scan is:
- Non-invasive and painless
- Takes only about 6 minutes
- Uses very low radiation (less than a dental X-ray)
- Provides precise bone density measurements
How It Works:
- A low-dose X-ray machine scans your hip, spine, and wrist, which are the most common sites for fractures.
- Your doctor reviews your bone density score (T-score) and discusses preventive or treatment options based on the results.
What to Do If Your DEXA Scan Shows Low Bone Density
📌 If your DEXA scan indicates osteopenia or osteoporosis, here’s how to protect your bones:
- Increase Calcium & Vitamin D Intake – Aim for 1,200 mg of calcium and 800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
- Perform Weight-Bearing & Resistance Exercises – Activities like walking, strength training, and yoga strengthen bones.
- Limit Smoking & Alcohol Consumption – Both negatively impact bone health.
- Consider Medications – Osteoporosis medications (e.g., bisphosphonates, hormone therapy, bone-building drugs) may be recommended in severe cases.
- Prevent Falls – Improve balance with tai chi, wear supportive shoes, and remove trip hazards at home.
👉 Example: If a DEXA scan shows osteopenia (early bone loss), your doctor may recommend strength training and calcium supplementation before considering medication.
Final Verdict: When Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?
- All women over 65 and men over 70 should get a DEXA scan.
- Postmenopausal women and men over 50 with risk factors should get tested sooner.
- If you’ve had a fracture, lost height, or experience bone pain, schedule a DEXA scan ASAP.
- Regular scans help track bone density and prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.
🚀 A DEXA scan is the best tool for assessing bone health early, helping you take proactive steps to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.
Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today
Don’t wait until a fracture happens—get a DEXA scan to assess your bone health today.
KALOS offers expert DEXA scanning in San Francisco to help you detect bone loss early, track bone density changes, and take control of your health.
📍 Schedule your DEXA scan today at KALOS—because real data leads to better results.
