What should you know about a DEXA scan after menopause?

The hormonal changes around menopause can be associated with faster bone loss for some people. Your clinician may consider a scan alongside your age, fracture history, body build, medicines, smoking or alcohol use, and conditions that affect bone health. The result is a measurement, not a prediction of exactly what will happen.

A report commonly compares your bone density with a reference range and may describe low bone density or osteoporosis. Ask the clinician to explain the terms, the site measured, and whether the result needs to be compared with a previous scan.

Follow the imaging centre’s instructions. Wear clothing without metal, tell staff about recent contrast imaging, and ask whether calcium supplements should be paused. Bring a list of medicines and details of fractures or falls. The scan is performed while you lie still, often with measurements at the hip and spine.

After the report, discuss weight-bearing activity, muscle strengthening, fall prevention, vitamin and mineral intake, and medicines if they are relevant to you. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency can also affect bone-health discussions, so mention early loss of ovarian function if it applies.

Arrange routine follow-up for the report rather than waiting without a plan. Seek urgent assessment after a fall with severe hip, back, or wrist pain, inability to stand or walk, or a new deformity. Contact your clinician sooner if you have repeated falls or a sudden change in mobility.

Ask what prompted testing, which bone sites will be measured, how menopause-related changes affect your interpretation, and what follow-up interval is suitable. Ask which daily activities or treatments could protect your bones.