Menopause marks a major life transition for women, and while symptoms like hot flashes and sleep changes often take center stage, one of the most critical yet silent changes is bone density loss. During and after menopause, declining estrogen levels accelerate bone breakdown, putting women at a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. September is Menopause Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shine a spotlight on how DEXA scans can help women take control of their bone health.
Why Bone Health Declines After Menopause
Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the balance between bone formation and bone resorption shifts, leading to:
- Faster bone loss
- Increased risk of fractures (especially hip, spine, and wrist)
- Greater likelihood of osteoporosis in later years
The first 5–10 years after menopause are the most critical. Women can lose up to 20% of their bone density during this time, often without symptoms until a fracture occurs. This is why proactive monitoring is essential.
The Science Behind Estrogen and Bone Health
Bone is a living tissue that constantly remodels itself. Osteoclasts break down old bone, while osteoblasts build new bone. Estrogen helps regulate this process by limiting bone resorption. With less estrogen, osteoclast activity outpaces osteoblast activity, creating a net loss of bone density. This explains why menopause is such a pivotal turning point in skeletal health.
The Scope of the Problem: Osteoporosis in Numbers
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms until a fracture happens. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation:
- Nearly 1 in 2 women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
- Osteoporosis leads to 2 million fractures annually in the U.S. alone.
- Hip fractures are especially serious, with nearly 20% of women over 65 dying within a year of a hip fracture due to complications.
These statistics underscore why menopause is the best time to intervene with diagnostic testing like DEXA scans.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density. It is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test that provides precise measurements of bone health. Unlike body composition scales or standard X-rays, DEXA scans can:
- Detect early bone density changes before fractures occur
- Diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Assess fracture risk
- Track bone health over time
At Healthspan Longevity, our DEXA scans also provide detailed body composition analysis, helping women understand both bone and muscle health in one appointment.
How DEXA Compares to Other Bone Health Tests
- DEXA Scan – Gold standard, accurate, low radiation, measures both bone density and body composition.
- Ultrasound Heel Test – Low-cost and portable but less precise; often used as a screening tool, not diagnostic.
- CT Scan – Provides 3D imaging but exposes patients to significantly higher radiation; not practical for routine bone health monitoring.
Choosing DEXA ensures the most reliable baseline and ongoing monitoring.
Why Menopause Awareness Month Is the Right Time
September is dedicated to raising awareness about menopause, its symptoms, and long-term health effects. Bone health is one of the most overlooked aspects of menopause, yet it directly impacts longevity and quality of life. Scheduling a DEXA scan this month can empower women to:
- Establish a baseline bone density score
- Detect early bone loss before it becomes critical
- Take preventive action through lifestyle, nutrition, and treatment
Benefits of Getting a DEXA Scan During Menopause
✨ Early Detection – Catch osteoporosis before a fracture occurs.
💪 Personalized Prevention – Tailor exercise and nutrition to strengthen bones.
📈 Progress Tracking – Monitor how treatments or lifestyle changes impact bone health.
🦴 Fracture Prevention – Reduce risk of debilitating hip or spine fractures.
Lifestyle Strategies to Support Bone Health
While a DEXA scan provides essential data, women can also take proactive steps to maintain bone health during and after menopause:
- Strength Training & Weight-Bearing Exercise – Walking, resistance training, and yoga strengthen bones.
- Calcium & Vitamin D Intake – Ensure adequate dietary sources or supplementation.
- Adequate Protein – Supports muscle mass, which also protects bone strength.
- Limit Alcohol & Smoking – Both accelerate bone loss.
- Regular Monitoring – Schedule DEXA scans as recommended to track changes.
A Patient Story: Taking Control of Bone Health
Consider the example of Susan, a 54-year-old woman navigating menopause. She felt healthy and active, but a baseline DEXA scan revealed she had osteopenia (early bone loss). With this knowledge, Susan:
- Began resistance training twice per week
- Increased her calcium and vitamin D intake
- Scheduled a follow-up scan after 18 months
Her next DEXA scan showed that her bone density had stabilized, preventing progression to osteoporosis. This is the power of early detection and proactive care.
FAQs About Menopause and DEXA Scans
At what age should women start DEXA scans?
Most guidelines recommend women begin baseline DEXA scans around menopause (typically age 50). Women with risk factors such as family history, smoking, or early menopause may benefit from testing earlier. At Healthspan Longevity we recommend starting as earl as in your 30’s to provide you with plenty of time to be able to make positive changes to your bone density.
How often should I get a DEXA scan?
Frequency depends on individual risk factors. Many women repeat scans every 1–2 years to monitor bone density changes, especially in the years right after menopause.
Does insurance cover DEXA scans?
Coverage varies, but many insurance plans cover DEXA scans for women over 65 or younger women with risk factors. At Healthspan Longevity, we also offer affordable self-pay options.
How safe is a DEXA scan?
DEXA scans use very low levels of radiation about the same as a day of natural background radiation. They are considered extremely safe.
Do I need to prepare for a DEXA scan?
Minimal preparation is required. Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours prior, and wear comfortable clothing without zippers or metal fasteners.
How is a DEXA scan different from a body composition scale?
Scales estimate fat and muscle but cannot accurately measure bone density. DEXA scans provide medical-grade data, making them the gold standard for both bone and body composition.
What do DEXA results mean?
Results are given as T-scores:
- Normal: -1 and above
- Osteopenia (early bone loss): Between -1 and -2.5
- Osteoporosis: -2.5 or lower
Your provider will help interpret your score and recommend next steps.
Take Charge of Your Bone Health This Menopause Awareness Month
Bone loss may be silent, but it doesn’t have to be invisible. A DEXA scan at Healthspan Longevity provides the insight you need to take proactive steps against osteoporosis and protect your independence, mobility, and quality of life.
📅 Schedule your DEXA scan today and make Menopause Awareness Month the moment you take charge of your long-term health.
