The Best Age to Start DEXA Scans

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring bone density, helping detect osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fracture risk before symptoms appear. But when should you start getting DEXA scans?

The best age to start DEXA scans depends on your risk factors, medical history, and lifestyle. Here’s a guide on when to schedule your first bone density test.

The Recommended Age for a DEXA Scan

1️⃣ Women Over 65 & Men Over 70: Routine Screening

• All women aged 65+ and all men aged 70+ should get a DEXA scan, even without risk factors.
• Postmenopausal women and older men are at the highest risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• This is the official guideline from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF).

📌 Why? After age 65, bone loss accelerates, and fractures become more common, especially in the spine, hips, and wrists.

👉 Example: A 67-year-old woman with no fractures should still get a DEXA scan to assess bone health before problems arise.

2️⃣ Women Under 65 & Men Under 70: Get a DEXA Scan If You Have Risk Factors

📌 If you are under 65 (women) or under 70 (men), get a DEXA scan early if you have:

• Early menopause (before 45) or irregular periods
• History of fractures after age 40
• Family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures
• Low body weight (BMI under 19)
• Chronic steroid use (e.g., Prednisone for asthma, lupus, or arthritis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, thyroid disorders, or diabetes
• Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or a sedentary lifestyle

📌 Why? These factors accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis before age 65.

👉 Example: A 55-year-old woman who went through early menopause at 42 should get a DEXA scan now rather than waiting until 65.

3️⃣ Postmenopausal Women (Ages 50-64): Get a Baseline Scan

• Bone loss speeds up after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Women lose up to 20% of their bone mass in the first 5-7 years after menopause.
• If you are postmenopausal and have risk factors, get a DEXA scan as early as 50.

📌 Why? Estrogen helps maintain bone density, and its decline after menopause can lead to rapid bone loss.

👉 Example: A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman with no history of fractures but a family history of osteoporosis should get a DEXA scan to establish a baseline.

4️⃣ Younger Adults (Ages 20-49): Who Needs a DEXA Scan?

📌 Most people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s do not need a DEXA scan—unless they have a medical condition that affects bone health.

🚨 You should consider a DEXA scan early if you have:

• Frequent fractures or stress fractures (even from minor falls).
• Low BMI or history of eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, extreme dieting).
• Autoimmune diseases requiring steroids (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease).
• Thyroid disorders, parathyroid disease, or celiac disease.
• Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or lack of weight-bearing exercise.

👉 Example: A 35-year-old woman with a history of anorexia and multiple stress fractures should get a DEXA scan to assess bone health early.

Who Should Get a DEXA Scan Earlier Than Age 50?

📌 If you have any of these conditions, get a DEXA scan early—before 50:

• Early menopause (before 45)
• History of fractures or osteoporosis in family
• Low body weight (BMI under 19)
• Steroid use (e.g., Prednisone for asthma, lupus, arthritis)
• Thyroid disorders or celiac disease
• Lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption

👉 Example: A 48-year-old woman with a history of thyroid disease and a previous fracture should get a DEXA scan now, rather than waiting until 65.

The Bottom Line: When Should You Get Your First DEXA Scan?

• All women over 65 and men over 70 should get a DEXA scan.
• Postmenopausal women (ages 50-64) with risk factors should get a scan earlier.
• Women under 50 and men under 70 should get a DEXA scan if they have osteoporosis risk factors.

🚀 Early detection is key—monitoring bone density now can help prevent fractures and osteoporosis later in life.

Book Your DEXA Scan in San Francisco at KALOS Today

Concerned about your bone health? A DEXA scan at KALOS is the most accurate way to measure bone density and prevent osteoporosis before it starts.

📍 Schedule your DEXA scan today at KALOS—because real data leads to better results.

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