When is a bone density scan recommended?

There is no single age that suits everyone. A clinician may consider your age and sex together with a previous fragility fracture, family history, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, prolonged steroid treatment, or a condition that changes hormone levels. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency can be relevant because earlier loss of ovarian function may affect bone health. The scan helps estimate density; it does not predict an individual fracture on its own.

Discuss your risk factors during a routine appointment, especially after a fracture from a minor impact or before long-term steroid treatment. Bring a list of medicines and details of earlier fractures. The clinician may recommend a DEXA Scanner assessment, lifestyle measures, or another evaluation depending on your situation. Do not start bone medicines or stop prescribed steroids based only on an online age guide.

Arrange medical review after an unexpected fracture, persistent back pain following a minor strain, loss of height, or repeated falls. Seek urgent help for severe pain after an injury, inability to stand or walk, or a visible change in the shape of a limb or spine. These symptoms need assessment even if a scan has not yet been booked. A Bone Density Scan can then be considered as part of follow-up.

Ask: Which risk factors make testing useful for me? Is a scan needed now or after another assessment? Which areas will be measured? How would the result change my care? What can I do about falls, exercise, calcium-rich foods and vitamin D?