What should you know about DEXA scans for menopause?

Changes in oestrogen during and after menopause can alter the balance between bone breakdown and rebuilding. A DEXA scan estimates bone mineral density, commonly at the hip and lower spine, and helps a clinician consider fracture risk with your wider history.

The report is not a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Age, previous fractures, family history, body size, smoking, alcohol, thyroid or gut conditions, and medicines such as long-term steroids can change how the result is understood.

Tell the centre if pregnancy is possible, if you recently had contrast imaging, or if you cannot lie flat. Follow local instructions about clothing, meals, supplements, and arrival time.

Take the report to the clinician who requested it. They may review calcium and vitamin D intake, resistance and weight-bearing activity, balance, fall risks, and medicines. Earlier menopause or Premature Ovarian Insufficiency can be relevant context and deserves specific discussion.

Book a review for a new fracture after a minor fall, persistent back pain, noticeable height loss, or prolonged steroid treatment. These clues can prompt assessment even if you have never had a bone scan.

Seek urgent care after a serious fall, severe new back or hip pain, inability to stand, or limb deformity. Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or one-sided weakness also needs emergency assessment and is unrelated to waiting for a DEXA result.

Ask why scanning is recommended now, which bones will be assessed, what your result means for fracture risk, and whether medicines or lifestyle support are appropriate. Ask when a repeat assessment would be useful.