Osteoporosis, the silent weakening of bone, is a major health and quality of life issue for women, especially as we age. A simple, quick and painless test called a bone density scan (DEXA) can identify bone loss before a fracture occurs, providing your doctor with your:
- T-score (how far you are from normal bone strength)
- Z-score (how you compare to others your age)
- Fracture risk estimate
This information helps define any necessary treatment and can monitor the improvement from treatment over time. Health organizations recommend DEXA screening for:
- All women age 65 and older.
- Postmenopausal women under 65 with clinical risk factors such as low body weight, family history of hip fracture, smoking, long-term steroid use, or other conditions that in
crease fracture risk.
However, a significant gap exists between screening recommendations and what’s actually happening. According to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), only about 43% of women aged 50+ have ever had a DEXA scan. Even in the age group where the recommendation is clear and typically covered (65 and older ), only about 68% have had a bone density scan. In women aged 50–64, only about 25% have ever been tested.
This matters because osteoporosis often has no symptoms until a fracture happens. Bone loss that leads to osteoporosis can begin as early as your 30s. Hip, spine, and wrist fractures can lead to chronic pain, loss of independence, and in creased mortality. Catching bone loss early can help change that trajectory.
If you are in the age range or high-risk group for recommended screening, talk to your healthcare provider. If you’re younger, you can still have a scan but it may require out-of-pocket payment, which can range from $80-$300 depending on the testing facility.
Bottomline is you should not skip or delay this important screening. Bone health is one of the strongest (and most overlooked) predictors of longevity in women.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK620005/
https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/dexa-scan.html
https://ecqi.healthit.gov/ecqm/ec/2024/cms0249v6
https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st569/stat569.shtml
