Protect your bone health with a DEXA scan—the gold standard for detecting osteopenia & osteoporosis. Book your scan in San Francisco today for early detection & prevention.
Bone health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet many people don’t realize their bones are weakening until it’s too late. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are progressive conditions that lead to fragile bones and a higher risk of fractures, often going undetected until a serious injury occurs.
The gold standard for assessing bone health is the DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry)—a highly precise, non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density (BMD) to detect early signs of bone loss. With a DEXA scan, you can take proactive steps to prevent fractures, strengthen your bones, and maintain mobility as you age.
📌 Osteopenia is the stage before osteoporosis, where bone density is lower than normal but not yet severely weakened.
📌 Without intervention, osteopenia can progress to osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures.
📌 Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that results in brittle, porous bones prone to fractures.
📌 It often has no symptoms until a bone breaks, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist.
📌 Women over 50 and men over 70 are at the highest risk, but younger adults can also develop osteoporosis due to poor lifestyle habits or medical conditions.
👉 The earlier you detect bone loss, the better your chances of preventing fractures and maintaining mobility.
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, which only detect fractures after they happen, a DEXA scan measures bone density before serious damage occurs.
✅ Bone Mineral Density (BMD) – Determines bone strength in key areas (spine, hips, wrists).
✅ T-Score & Z-Score – Predicts fracture risk and compares your bone density to healthy adults.
✅ Early Detection of Osteopenia – Identifies bone loss before it progresses to osteoporosis.
✅ Tracking Changes Over Time – Monitors bone health to assess if treatment or lifestyle changes are working.
👉 If you are at risk for osteoporosis, a DEXA scan is essential for early detection and prevention.
📌 Normal Bone Density → T-score: -1.0 or higher
📌 Osteopenia (Low Bone Density) → T-score: -1.1 to -2.4
📌 Osteoporosis (High Fracture Risk) → T-score: -2.5 or lower
📌 Z-scores compare your bone density to others of the same age, sex, and size.
📌 If your Z-score is -2.0 or lower, it may indicate bone loss due to factors other than aging (e.g., medical conditions or medications).
👉 A DEXA scan provides a clear, actionable breakdown of your bone health.
A DEXA scan is recommended if you:
✅ Are over 50 (women) or over 70 (men) – Higher risk of osteoporosis.
✅ Have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures.
✅ Have osteopenia or other risk factors (low calcium intake, smoking, sedentary lifestyle).
✅ Use corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) long-term – These medications weaken bones.
✅ Have a history of fractures from minor falls.
📍 Even if you feel healthy, getting a baseline DEXA scan in your 30s or 40s can help track bone health over time.
Bone health changes over time, so regular monitoring is essential.
✔️ For Postmenopausal Women & Older Adults → Every 1-2 months
✔️ For Individuals with Osteopenia → Every 1-2 months to monitor progression
✔️ For High-Risk Individuals (family history, steroid use, medical conditions) → Annual scans
👉 A short iteration cycle of 1-2 months allows for early intervention and treatment adjustments.
If your DEXA scan reveals osteopenia or osteoporosis, don’t panic! You can take proactive steps to strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.
🦴 Calcium: Aim for 1,000-1,200 mg/day from sources like:
☀️ Vitamin D: Helps your body absorb calcium. Aim for 600-800 IU/day from:
🏋️ Strength Training – Lifting weights helps stimulate bone growth and slow bone loss.
🏃 Weight-Bearing Cardio – Activities like walking, jogging, dancing, and hiking help increase bone density.
🧘 Balance & Flexibility Work – Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi help prevent falls and improve stability.
❌ Avoid smoking & excessive alcohol – Both accelerate bone loss.
❌ Reduce sodium & caffeine intake – High sodium causes calcium loss.
✅ Eat a protein-rich diet – Protein supports bone strength.
✅ Get regular DEXA scans – Monitor progress and adjust your approach.
If you’re ready to take control of your bone health, book a DEXA scan at KALOS. Our full-body composition scans take just six minutes and provide the most precise assessment of bone density, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
📅 While not covered by insurance, the insights gained are invaluable for preventing osteoporosis and maintaining lifelong mobility.
📍 Schedule your scan today at KALOS—your journey to stronger bones starts now.
Bay Area residents trust KALOS to deliver results. We proudly serve the entire Bay Area including the following locations:
