What should you know about bone density scan for women?

Bone density can change with age, hormonal changes, a previous fragility fracture, low body weight, family history, smoking, heavy alcohol use, or medicines that affect bone. Early loss may have no symptoms, so a scan can provide information before another fracture occurs. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency is one hormonal factor a clinician may consider when reviewing bone health.

The scan commonly uses a DEXA Scanner to assess areas such as the hip and lower spine. Results are interpreted with your age, sex, medical history, fracture history, and medicines; a report is not a complete prediction of what will happen.

Wear clothing without bulky metal and tell the imaging team if pregnancy is possible or if you recently had a contrast examination. The appointment is brief, and you remain still while the scanner measures selected bones. Afterward, ask what the result means for movement, nutrition, fall prevention, medicines, and whether follow-up imaging is needed. Do not start supplements or treatment without personalised advice.

Arrange a clinical review after a fracture from a minor fall, new height loss, persistent back pain, or repeated falls. Seek urgent care after a serious injury, inability to bear weight, sudden severe back or hip pain, or numbness and weakness. A scan is planned rather than an emergency response, so urgent symptoms should be assessed promptly even if no scan has been booked.

Ask: Why is this scan recommended for me? Which bones will be measured? What did my result mean in the context of fracture risk? Should I review hormones, medicines, vitamin intake, exercise, or fall hazards? When should the result be reassessed?