DEXA Scan
Definition
A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is a non-invasive imaging test that measures bone mineral density. It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis and for assessing a woman's risk for future fractures.
In Depth
A DEXA scan provides a precise measurement of the mineral content (primarily calcium) in specific bones, usually the hip and lower spine. The result is typically given as a "T-score," which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. Because estrogen is essential for keeping bone-breakdown cells in check, its decline during menopause leads to a rapid "resorption" of bone. A DEXA scan performed around the onset of menopause provides a critical baseline. Clinical guidelines recommend this screening to identify women at high risk for "silent" bone loss before a fracture occurs, allowing for early intervention through nutrition, exercise, or hormone therapy.
Why It Matters
Bone loss is invisible until a fracture happens. The DEXA scan is the only way to reliably catch bone thinning early, preserving long-term mobility and independence.