Strong bones are the foundation of lasting health and longevity. Schedule your Advanced Bone Health & Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) Scan at Healthspan Longevity to understand your bone strength, reduce future fracture risk, and take a proactive step toward extending your healthspan.
Advanced Bone Health & Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) Scan
Your bones are living tissue that constantly remodels, gaining or losing density based on hormones, nutrition, and physical activity. The Advanced Bone Health & Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) Scan uses medical-grade DEXA technology to measure the mineral density of your spine and hips, the areas most vulnerable to bone loss and fracture. DEXA is the gold standard for bone density testing and is used in hospitals and research settings worldwide for its accuracy and reproducibility. Unlike full-body scans that are designed for composition, this focused test provides diagnostic-grade precision and a validated 10-year fracture risk score, helping you identify and address bone loss early.
What You’ll Learn
During your scan, our system measures bone mineral density in your lumbar spine (AP view) and both femurs. You’ll receive:
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T- and Z-scores showing how your bone density compares to healthy reference populations
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A personalized FRAX 10-year fracture probability for hip and major osteoporotic fractures
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Expert interpretation connecting your results to hormone balance, nutrition, and strength training
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Actionable recommendations to support bone density through targeted interventions
Every result is explained in plain language so you know what’s optimal, what’s at risk, and how to improve over time.
Who It’s For
This scan is recommended for adults 40 and older who want to understand and preserve bone health. It’s also valuable for younger individuals who have a family history of fractures, osteopenia, or osteoporosis, or who simply want to establish a baseline for long-term monitoring. Those with hormone or medication-related risk factors such as low testosterone or estrogen, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, chronic steroid or SSRI use, or a history of stress fractures can gain early insights into bone status before symptoms appear. Women approaching or past menopause, men over 50, and anyone focused on healthy aging will benefit from this test.
Why It Matters
Bone density reflects overall biological aging and long-term resilience. Strong bones support muscle strength, posture, balance, and independence. Even modest bone loss can increase the risk of falls, injury, and mobility decline. Research shows that among adults over 65 who sustain a hip fracture after a fall, about one in four will die within a year, a statistic that highlights how closely bone health is tied to longevity and quality of life. By combining DEXA-based spine and hip analysis with FRAX scoring, this scan provides a clear picture of your bone strength today and actionable steps to protect it for decades to come.
How to Prepare
Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, snaps, or buttons. Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before your appointment, as they can affect imaging results. If you recently had a barium study or a CT scan with contrast, wait at least two weeks before scheduling your DEXA scan to ensure accurate readings. The scan is quick, painless, and noninvasive, and no fasting or special preparation is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a regular DEXA scan?
A full-body DEXA scan measures fat and muscle distribution, while the Advanced Bone Health & Fracture Risk Assessment focuses on your lumbar spine and hips. These areas are used to diagnose osteoporosis and calculate fracture risk, providing clinical data that is not available from a standard composition scan.
Why is DEXA considered the gold standard?
DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is the most accurate and reproducible method available for measuring bone density. It is the same technology used in hospitals and research institutions to diagnose osteoporosis and track treatment progress.
Does the scan expose me to radiation?
DEXA uses a very low dose of radiation, much lower than a chest X-ray or even a cross-country flight. It is safe, quick, and completely noninvasive.
How long does the scan take?
The scan typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will lie comfortably on the table while the scanner measures your bone density at the spine and hips.
How often should I repeat the scan?
For most people, every 1 to 2 years is ideal for monitoring changes in bone density. Those with risk factors or ongoing treatment may benefit from annual testing.
What happens if my results show bone loss?
You’ll receive a detailed explanation of your scores along with recommendations for diet, supplements, strength training, and hormone optimization if appropriate. We focus on evidence-based, actionable strategies to help you rebuild and preserve bone mass naturally.
