Bone loss begins to speed up for all girls of their mid-30s, so if you happen to’re below 50 and suppose DEXA scans and bone density issues don’t apply to you—maintain up.
That is data you’ll need below your belt sooner fairly than later. Let’s discuss why.
What’s a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (quick 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 adjustments 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 Assume
At this 12 months’s BHOF Interdisciplinary Symposium on Osteoporosis, girls’s well being researcher Dr. Amanda Clark stated plainly: “Ready till age 65 to judge skeletal well being is simply too late.”
Why? As a result of girls start to lose bone quickly within the 12 months earlier than their remaining menstrual interval (the official marker of menopause), and that elevated charge of loss continues for about two years after. On this quick window, girls lose a mean of 10% of their complete bone mass.
Because the common age of menopause is between 45 and 55, a lady could possibly be dropping bone for 10 to twenty years with none consciousness or intervention.
Bone transforming—a wholesome, lifelong course of during which outdated or broken bone is damaged down and changed by new tissue—slows over time.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 in the course of 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 pointers that mirror rising proof: Ladies 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 usually cowl the scan with a health care provider’s prescription indicating only one.
The way to Get a Baseline DEXA Sooner
Insurance coverage usually covers a DEXA scan when osteoporosis danger is medically justified. With so many danger components—starting from physique composition to medicines—most girls are possible lined for early testing.
Beneath is a non-exhaustive listing of danger classes that can assist you start a dialog together with your healthcare supplier:
Physique Composition & Demographic Threat 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 the next danger of osteoporosis.
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Household Historical past – A mum or dad 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 end in fractures must be thought of crimson 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 Habits Elements
Life-style Elements
Illness-Associated Elements
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Endocrine & Hormonal Problems (e.g., hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s)
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Gastrointestinal Illnesses (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 Sort 2 Diabetes)
Along with this listing, on-line instruments such because the International Osteoporosis Foundation Risk Check, FRAX Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, and Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator may also help estimate your osteoporosis and fracture dangers.
Can I Get a DEXA Scan if I Don’t Have Any Threat Elements?
Sure—you’ll be able to nonetheless select to get one. Out-of-pocket prices usually vary from $100–$250, and you may usually use HSA/FSA funds. Whereas it’s an upfront expense, think about it an funding in prevention.
A baseline scan provides you information. And information provides you energy.
Be sure you name forward—not all imaging facilities provide self-pay DEXA scans with no 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 recognized utilizing the T-score. A decrease (extra damaging) rating signifies better bone loss:
Word: 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 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 girls are eligible—and smart—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 sluggish 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 usually achieved by early maturity, we additionally must encourage the following technology—our children and teenagers—to interact in bone-building actions now, so that they’ll have a stronger basis for many years to return.
Preserve lifting, leaping, and searching for robust 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 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 Stories. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094695024000921
- Worldwide Osteoporosis Basis (IOF).(n.d.). Osteoporosis Assets and Threat Instruments. Retrieved from https://www.osteoporosis.foundation
- Research of Ladies’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-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 Instrument. 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, Prognosis, 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 Ladies. Journal of Medical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 59(2), 373–379. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-59-2-373
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