Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until 65 for a DEXA Scan

When it comes to protecting your bone health, early detection is everything. Yet most women are told to wait until age 65 for their first DEXA scan—the standard screening for osteoporosis. But by then, bone loss may have already taken hold.

Here’s the truth: if you’re in perimenopause or early postmenopause, you shouldn’t wait until you’re eligible by insurance standards. You deserve to know where you stand now, while there’s still time to intervene.

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a painless, low-radiation test that measures your bone mineral density. It gives us a clear picture of whether you have:

• Normal bone density

• Osteopenia (early bone loss)

• Osteoporosis (more advanced bone loss)

  
  

DEXA scans typically measure the spine, hip, and sometimes the forearm—key areas where fractures are most common and most debilitating.

Why bone loss can happen earlier than you think

Most women begin to lose bone mass in their 40s—and the drop accelerates after menopause due to declining estrogen, which plays a critical role in maintaining bone density. In fact, women can lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause.

Waiting until age 65 to evaluate your bone health is like waiting until your gas tank is empty to check the fuel gauge.

You may be at risk even if you feel fine

Some women are more prone to early bone loss—even if they’re active or eat well.

Consider getting a DEXA scan earlier if you have any of the following:

• A family history of osteoporosis

• Irregular or skipped periods

• History of disordered eating, under-eating, or malabsorption

• Thyroid disease or long-term steroid use

• Early menopause or surgical menopause

• Vitamin D deficiency or low calcium intake

• Low body weight or recent weight loss

  
  

And yes, weight gain in menopause can also increase your risk—particularly if it affects breathing during sleep or increases systemic inflammation.

Why early testing matters

The earlier we catch osteopenia or osteoporosis, the more effective our interventions can be. Bone is a living tissue—it can be strengthened and rebuilt with the right tools, which may include:

• Weight-bearing and resistance exercise

• Vitamin D, calcium, and other key nutrients

• Hormone therapy (such as estradiol)

• Prescription medications, if appropriate

  
  

With a DEXA scan as your baseline, we can track changes and customize a prevention or treatment plan before fractures become a risk.

If you're postmenopausal—or even in your 40s with risk factors—don't wait until you’re 65 to get a bone density scan. You deserve proactive care, not reactive treatment.

If you're curious about your bone health or think it might be time for a scan, I’d love to help guide you through the process.