Who Should Get a DEXA Scan? A Guide to Bone Density Testing
If you've never thought much about your bone health, you're not alone. Bone loss is one of those things that happens quietly — no pain, no obvious symptoms — until a fracture tells you something was wrong all along.
That's exactly why a DEXA scan exists.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a quick, low-radiation imaging test that measures your bone mineral density. It uses two low-dose X-ray beams to determine how dense and strong your bones are — particularly in your hip and lower spine, which are the areas most prone to fracture.
The test takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You stay fully clothed and simply lie on a table. There's no injection, no claustrophobia, and very little radiation — about one-tenth of a standard chest X-ray.
What Do the Results Mean?
Your results are expressed as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old:
-1.0 or above — Normal bone density
-1.0 to -2.5 — Osteopenia (lower than normal; early warning stage)
-2.5 or below — Osteoporosis (significant bone loss)
Catching bone loss at the osteopenia stage is the sweet spot. At that point, lifestyle changes, targeted supplementation, and specific exercise can make a real difference — and may even reverse the loss before it progresses to osteoporosis.
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
The following groups are recommended for bone density screening:
Women 65 and older — Routine screening is recommended regardless of risk factors.
Women under 65 who are postmenopausal — Especially if you have additional risk factors such as family history, low body weight, or a history of smoking.
Anyone with a fracture history — If you've broken a bone from a minor fall or bump that wouldn't normally cause a fracture, that's a red flag worth investigating.
Long-term steroid users — Medications like prednisone can significantly accelerate bone loss over time.
Smokers or heavy drinkers — Both are well-established risk factors for reduced bone density.
People with low body weight — Lower body mass is associated with lower bone density.
Anyone with a family history of osteoporosis or osteopenia — Genetics play a meaningful role in bone health.
If you fall into any of these categories and haven't been screened, it's worth a conversation with your provider.
How Much Does a DEXA Scan Cost?
For many patients without insurance coverage, a DEXA scan runs around $80 cash pay — making it one of the most affordable and high-value health screenings available. Talk to your provider about getting one ordered.
What Happens If My Results Show Osteopenia or Osteoporosis?
A diagnosis isn't a dead end — it's a starting point. At The Clinic at Glen Rose, Dr. Roberts works with patients to build individualized bone health plans that may include:
Targeted supplementation — including Thorne Calcium, Vitamin D + K2, and Magnesium Glycinate (all available in-clinic)
Exercise recommendations — weight-bearing exercise and impact movement are among the most effective non-medication tools for building bone density
Follow-up monitoring — tracking your progress with a repeat DEXA scan at 12 months
One important thing to know: your body can only absorb about 500mg of calcium at a time. This means that how you take your supplements matters just as much as whether you take them. Splitting your calcium dose between morning and evening ensures your body actually uses what you're giving it.
Take the Next Step
If you're unsure whether you need a bone density scan, the best place to start is a conversation with your provider. Don't wait for a fracture to find out where your bone health stands.
We're here to help. The Clinic at Glen Rose offers personalized care for patients navigating osteopenia and osteoporosis — and we carry Thorne supplements in-clinic so you can start your plan right away.
📞 Call us or stop by to schedule an appointment.
The Clinic at Glen Rose serves patients in Glen Rose, Granbury, Stephenville, and the surrounding Somervell County area.
