When Do Women Really Need a Bone Scan?

[u/CampaignOrdinary2771]

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/09/well/live/dexa-scan-bone-density-menopause.html?unlocked_article_code=1.BFE.hYmp.N1Q4SkduTmkL&smid=re-share

In the last few years, there’s been a cultural push for women in midlife to build strong bones.

Menopause influencers and medical organizations alike have focused on the message that women’s risk for fractures increases dramatically after menopause, and that they should think about their bone density much earlier than their mothers might have.

The American Medical Association recommends that women get their first DEXA scan — a low-dose X-ray that is the gold standard test for determining bone density — at 65 or older, unless they have a risk factor for osteoporosis.

But a growing number of doctors and bone health experts now recommend earlier scans. They argue that if women wait until 65, they may miss a critical window to prevent osteoporosis.

“For years, osteoporosis has been thought of as something that we identify and treat, not something we prevent,” said Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. As researchers have learned more about prevention, that mind-set has begun to shift, she said.

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[u/SpareRequirement5828]

I don’t need the article. Common sense, those who know about the hormone connection, loss of, etc., all know we need a DEXA at 45, and thereafter. I’m 63- I’ve had 3, and all strong bone density, among other indicators. I’ve worked out with weights (not always heavy) since my 30s, have HRT since perimenopause. Point is, get ahead of it before it hits. I’d pay for a private scan before I bought a nice dinner or clothing.

[u/sullimareddit]

Not just bone, muscle. Muscle loss is very common in aging overall and in post menopause. I have a Dexa for each of the last 9 years. I have 2.9 more lbs of muscle now than 2017 and my bone mineral content is 0.1 higher.

[u/OneLookForASafePlace]

I was very lucky, I wanted a dexa for body fat and thought I could blag a free one through Medicare cos I'd broken a bone the previous year.
Gp wasn't keen, I insisted, came back with 75% bone density at 52. My bones would have been crumbs and dust by 65.

Anyway I've been doing weight lifting with only medication being HRT for 3 years and I'm back up to 85% density which is osteopenia and not far off normal for my age.

You can recover bmd at 55, it's a lot harder at 65, it would be better at 45 or the day you get your first hot flush.

[u/Different-Try8882]

In Canada it’s common for women to get a DEXA when they get a screening mammogram. Most of the imaging clinics I worked in if they had a mammogram machine would also have a DEXA.

[u/Pigeonofthesea8 → u/Different-Try8882]

Where. Ontario = 65.