DEXA scan preparation

Bone Density: Shows how dense the bones are prreparation can be used to assess the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Bone density scan. Han J, Hahn MH.

DEXA scan preparation -
Normal bone is strong and flexible. Osteoporotic bone is weaker and subject to fracture. The higher your bone mineral content, the denser your bones are.

And the denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break. Bone density tests differ from bone scans. Bone scans require an injection beforehand and are usually used to detect fractures, cancer, infections and other abnormalities in the bone.

Although osteoporosis is more common in older women, men also can develop the condition. Regardless of your sex or age, your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you've:.

Be sure to tell your doctor beforehand if you've recently had a barium exam or had contrast material injected for a CT scan or nuclear medicine test. Contrast materials might interfere with your bone density test.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid wearing clothes with zippers, belts or buttons. Leave your jewelry at home and remove all metal objects from your pockets, such as keys, money clips or change.

At some facilities, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. Bone density tests are usually done on bones in the spine vertebrae , hip, forearm, wrist, fingers and heel.

Bone density tests are usually done on bones that are most likely to break because of osteoporosis, including:.

If you have your bone density test done at a hospital, it'll probably be done on a device where you lie on a padded platform while a mechanical arm passes over your body. The amount of radiation you're exposed to is very low, much less than the amount emitted during a chest X-ray.

The test usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes. A small, portable machine can measure bone density in the bones at the far ends of your skeleton, such as those in your finger, wrist or heel. The instruments used for these tests are called peripheral devices and are often used at health fairs.

Because bone density can vary from one location in your body to another, a measurement taken at your heel usually isn't as accurate a predictor of fracture risk as a measurement taken at your spine or hip. Consequently, if your test on a peripheral device is positive, your doctor might recommend a follow-up scan at your spine or hip to confirm your diagnosis.

Your T-score is your bone density compared with what is normally expected in a healthy young adult of your sex. Your T-score is the number of units — called standard deviations — that your bone density is above or below the average.

Your score is a sign of osteopenia, a condition in which bone density is below normal and may lead to osteoporosis. Your Z-score is the number of standard deviations above or below what's normally expected for someone of your age, sex, weight, and ethnic or racial origin.

If your Z-score is significantly higher or lower than the average, you may need additional tests to determine the cause of the problem.

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This content does not have an English version. The Dexa Scan is designed and used to identify any and all problems, diseases, and conditions in the body. By looking at bone mass, bone mineral density, and body composition, the scan can check for certain diseases like liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis before they actually occur.

The scan looks for internal warning signs of these diseases that might not show themselves until after its too late, giving you a useful advantage in reclaiming your health before problems develop.

In addition to looking for these diseases, the Dexa Scan can also find weak points in your body and other risk factors. These weak points include areas where muscle mass is thinning, if there is any bone loss, or where fractures are more likely to happen.

With this knowledge, you can give special attention to these areas to strengthen them to lower the fracture risks or chance of breaking a bone.

Finally, the Dexa Scan also measures your body composition. This includes the amount of body fat you carry as well as how and where it is carried in the body.

The Dexa Scan returns measurement data on deep belly fat, also known as visceral fat , and can be used to help identify and diagnose certain diseases and health problems like cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes.

The scan is so thorough that it will be able to find excess fat between organs, identify problem areas, and determine issues like high cholesterol and metabolic disturbances. With the Dexa Scan, you are really getting a behind-the-scenes look at your body, giving you the knowledge and control you need to prevent health issues, lose weight, and improve your overall fitness.

After the Dexa Scan, your test results will return data on your percentage of visceral fat, weak points within the body, warning signs of possible health issues and diseases, and more.

The information from your results might be overwhelming at first, but it offers you a comprehensive look at where your body is health-wise. The results of your Dexa Scan are meant to help you know how much exercise you need, the type of diet you should start, the best ways to build muscle mass, and how to pull your body into the best shape of your life.

You can learn how to target specific problem areas of visceral fat, thinning muscle, and brittle bones as well as gain pointers on how to improve fitness and overall health and wellbeing. Creating workouts, dietary plans, and wellness goals around the specific needs of your body are important steps for feeling better and living longer.

For example, with the help of the Dexa Scan, you can identify the exact location of lean muscle in your body. This information is important because lean muscle plays an important role in the regulation of your metabolism as well as prevents bone thinning and helps prevent chronic diseases and pathologic conditions.

Focusing on your muscles and strengthening them also improves blood sugar, sleep, and your balance! When your blood sugar is regulated, your balance is stable, and your sleep is sound and refreshing, you will find that your quality of life improves exponentially.

Imagine how much better you can feel and look when you work on improving the different areas indicated in your Dexa Scan results. In short, the Dexa Scan has the power to improve your life.

This scan offers a simple way to tremendously alter how you view your health and wellness, while also giving you the tools to change how you approach fitness and diet. The scan also helps you to work closely with your doctor about potential issues with your body.

By pinpointing and determining problem areas, you and your doctor can make plans prevent and handle any health issues that come your way. Furthermore, the Dexa Scan prep is easy to follow and makes for a fast appointment. The Dexa Scan is all about the individual. It provides accurate results about your body that help you understand it better than ever.

This information is absolutely priceless when it comes to finding ways to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life. If a Dexa Scan sounds like a great idea to you, you can sign up for one today. We have locations from San Francisco, California to Boca Raton, FL, and just about everywhere in between.

When you find a location nearest you, you can easily set up an appointment to get your own Dexa Scan done! As discussions around diverse diets on identical twins unfold, our guide to DEXA scans becomes your compass in navigating the intricacies of personal health. Discover the science behind DexaFit's renowned services and unlock insights into how DEXA scans can propel you towards optimal health and wellness.

Join the wave of those seeking precision, and let DexaFit be your trusted companion on this enlightening journey. People often confuse food sensitivity with food allergy.

This is because a food sensitivity can trigger similar signs and symptoms of a food allergy. Reactions to food are common. If you track your carbs, time your laps and rarely forget your FitBit at home, you already understand the importance of collecting health data. The benefits of VO2 max testing reach far outside the realm of exercise—you can expect valuable insight into your risk for disease, energy level and even nutrition requirements.

Food sensitivity afflicts a significant proportion of the population, yet many food sensitivities continue to go undiagnosed. Learn more about food sensitivity here! Monitoring treatment: DEXA scans can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for osteoporosis and other bone disorders, such as medication and exercise programs.

Assessing muscle mass: DEXA scans can provide detailed information about muscle mass, which can be useful for athletes and older adults at risk of muscle loss.

Evaluating body composition: DEXA scans can be used to evaluate the distribution of fat, muscle, and bone in the body, which can be useful for a variety of clinical purposes such as weight management, bodybuilding, or nutrition monitoring.

Research: DEXA scans are also used in research studies to investigate the effects of various interventions on bone density, body composition, and muscle mass.

Additionally, DEXA scans are safe, fast, and highly accurate, making them an ideal diagnostic tool for a wide range of patients. They are increasingly used as a benchmark for monitoring weight loss, muscle building, and overall body composition changes.

DEXA scans are recommended for a variety of individuals to assess their bone density, body composition, and muscle mass. For people at high risk for osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women or individuals with a family history of the condition, is recommended a DEXA scan every 2 years.

For those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or other bone disorders, DEXA scans may be done annually to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and track changes in bone density.

For athletes, bodybuilders, or people who are trying to lose weight or gain muscle mass, DEXA scans can be done periodically as a benchmark to track changes in body composition. A bone density scan, also known as a DEXA scan, is widely used for measuring bone mineral density and assessing the risk of osteoporosis.

However, there are some limitations to this test. One limitation is that the scan can only measure the density of certain bones, such as the hip and spine, and not the entire skeleton. Additionally, the results of the test may not be accurate in certain populations, such as men or those with very low or very high bone density.

The test is also not able to detect bone fractures, which is a common complication of osteoporosis.

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You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DXA test. Women should always tell their doctor and technologist if they are pregnant. Doctors will not perform many tests during pregnancy to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation. If an x-ray is necessary, the doctor will take precautions to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

See the Radiation Safety page for more information about pregnancy and x-rays. Most of the devices used for DXA are central devices, which are used to measure bone density in the hip and spine.

They are usually located in hospitals and medical offices. Central devices have a large, flat table and an "arm" suspended overhead. Peripheral devices measure bone density in the wrist, heel or finger and are often available in drugstores and on mobile health vans in the community.

The pDXA devices are smaller than the central DXA devices, weighing only about 60 pounds. They may have a portable box-like structure with a space for the foot or forearm to be placed for imaging. Other portable technologies such as specially designed ultrasound machines, are also sometimes used for screening.

However, central DXA is the standard technique. The DXA machine sends a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones being examined.

One peak is absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The soft tissue amount can be subtracted from the total and what remains is a patient's bone mineral density. DXA machines feature special software that compute and display the bone density measurements on a computer monitor.

In the central DXA examination, which measures bone density of the hip and spine, the patient lies on a padded table.

An x-ray generator is located below the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is positioned above. To assess the spine, the patient's legs are supported on a padded box to flatten the pelvis and lower lumbar spine. To assess the hip, the patient's foot is placed in a brace that rotates the hip inward.

In both cases, the detector is slowly passed over the area, generating images on a computer monitor. You must hold very still and may need to hold your breath for a few seconds while the technologist takes the x-ray.

This helps reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine. The peripheral tests are simpler. The finger, hand, forearm or foot is placed in a small device that obtains a bone density reading within a few minutes.

An additional procedure called Vertebral Fracture Assessment VFA is now being done at many centers. VFA is a low-dose x-ray examination of the spine to screen for vertebral fractures that is performed on the DXA machine.

The DXA bone density test is usually completed within 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the equipment used and the parts of the body being examined.

You will probably be asked to fill out a questionnaire that will help the doctor determine if you have medical conditions or take certain medications that either increase or decrease your risk of a fracture.

The World Health Organization has recently released an online survey that combines the DXA results and a few basic questions and can be used to predict year risk of hip fracture or other major osteoporotic fractures for post-menopausal women.

Routine evaluations every two years may be needed to see a significant change in bone mineral density, decrease or increase. Few patients, such as patients on high dose steroid medication, may need follow-up at six months.

A radiologista doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images. The radiologist will send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician who will discuss the results with you.

DXA scans are also interpreted by other physicians such as rheumatologists and endocrinologists. A clinician should review your DXA scan while assessing the presence of clinical risk factors such as:. T score — This number shows the amount of bone you have compared with a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass.

A score of -1 and above is considered normal. A score between A score of The T score is used to estimate your risk of developing a fracture and also to determine if treatment is required.

Z score — This number reflects the amount of bone you have compared with other people in your age group and of the same size and gender.

If this score is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests. Small changes may normally be observed between scans due to differences in positioning and usually are not significant.

Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards radiology professionals use.

Modern x-ray systems minimize stray scatter radiation by using controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods. This ensures that the areas of your body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.

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Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACRcomprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.

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Toggle navigation. What is a bone density Scan? What are some common uses of the procedure? How should I prepare? What does the equipment look like? How does the procedure work? How is the procedure performed?
: DEXA scan preparation

Bone density scan (DEXA, DXA)	Staff Physicians Nurses Media Donate. Info Share:. Your appointment How to prepare for your bone density scan Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you are late, your appointment may be rescheduled. Bring a bag for your personal belongings during the exam. Bring a list of any medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid clothes with buttons, zippers or belts and any other additional materials. What to expect during your bone density scan We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays. You will be asked to fill out a short medical history form before the scan, including any medications you take, diseases or conditions you may have and any family history of osteoporosis. Please let the receptionist or technologist know if you have had a barium x-ray in the last two weeks or if you had a nuclear medicine scan or injection of an x-ray dye within the last week. If you wish to have a doctor other than your referring doctor copied on the results report, please let the receptionist know before your test. Note that female patients aged 10 to 55 will be asked if there is any chance of pregnancy. You will be given a hospital gown to put on. This is different than subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin. Increased VAT has a high correlation to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Current research shows and elevated risk at around cm 2 and. It describes where the fat is stored. Android apple shape refers to having most of the fat around the stomach and mid-section. Gynoid pear shape refers to having the fat stored around the hips. A bigger number means more android and a smaller number means more gynoid. From a health risk standpoint, ideal values are believed to be less than 0. Fat Free Mass Index FFMI : The amount of mass that is not fat, relative to your height. This includes muscle, bone, organs and connective tissue. It can be used to gauge relative muscle mass in lean individuals. Skeletal Muscle Mass SMM : An estimate of the total amount of skeletal muscle you have. Because muscle has approximately the same density as other organs liver, skin, etc… and other types of muscle heart, smooth muscle, etc… we are not able to directly the amount of skeletal muscle you have. This is true of any commercially available body composition measurement bioelectrical impedance, underwater weighing. However, several scientific studies have been performed that demonstrate good accuracy between our estimated SMM and that measured by MRI or CT scanning. Cut points in research are generally around 5. Cut points in research are generally around 0. Resting Metabolic Rate RMR : The number of calories the body needs to maintain its current mass under resting conditions. The value provided by the DXA scan is estimated from the amounts of different tissues, and tissue specific metabolic rates. Bone Density: Shows how dense the bones are and can be used to assess the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. A positive T-score signifies normal bone density; while a negative T-score indicates low bone density and that you likely have osteoporosis. If your Z-score is either remarkably higher or lower than the average, that may signify that something other than aging is contributing to bone loss. This is what your doctor needs to identify to be able to effectively prevent or slow down bone loss. We offer bone density scans and a host of other essential imaging tests, all geared toward helping doctors provide precise diagnoses. If you have questions about the DEXA scan or other diagnostic imaging services or would like to schedule a visit, call us at or request an appointment online now. If you are referring physician, you may use this location-specific form for your patient. Billing Medical Records or MedicalRecords InnovativeMRI. Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer. Footer Contact Us Crescent Executive Court, Suite Lake Mary, FL South Palafox St.
Bone Density Scan	Milk and Osteoporosis — Is Dairy Really Good for Your Bones? From the images the doctor will be able to evaluate bone mineral calcium content of the bone. This information is absolutely priceless when it comes to finding ways to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life. Medically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACR , comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas. X-rays are the oldest and most often used form of medical imaging.
DEXA (DXA) Scan: Bone Density Test	They may want to defer the DEXA scan until after you have the baby or take special precautions. The DEXA apparatus includes a flat padded table that you lie on. A movable arm above holds the X-ray detector. A device that produces X-rays is below the table. The technician will position you on the table. They may place a wedge under your knees to help flatten your spine for the image, or to position your hip. They may also position your arm for scanning. The technician will ask you to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across your body. The X-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with you while operating the device. The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO. This is called your T score. Your results may also give you a Z score, which compares your bone loss to that of others in your age group. Your doctor will go over the tests results with you. The doctor may want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes. If your results indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor will discuss with you what you can do to slow bone loss and stay healthy. Treatment may simply involve lifestyle changes. Your doctor may advise you to start weight-bearing exercises , balance exercises, strengthening exercises, or a weight loss program. If your osteoporosis is more severe, the doctor may advise that you take one of the many drugs that are designed to strengthen bones and lessen bone loss. Be sure to ask about side effects of any drug treatment. Making a lifestyle change or starting a medication to help slow your bone loss is a good investment in your health and longevity. Studies suggest that 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation NOF. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Find out what exercises are best for building bone health, strengthening muscle, and improving balance. Learn how osteoporosis increases your likelihood of bone fractures, why postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of fractures, and how to reduce…. Dairy is the best source of calcium in the diet, the main mineral in bones. For this reason, milk is often recommended to optimize bone health. Calcium supplements can help you build strong bones. However, they may also cause negative health effects for many people. Osteopaths and chiropractors are healthcare professionals who offer complementary forms of medicine. While they treat similar conditions, their…. The prevalence of osteoporosis describes how common this condition is within specific groups. It's most common in women over the age of A bone density scan helps your doctor know if your bones are healthy. In general, DEXA is a valuable screening method for identifying and treating bone conditions and is a safe and non-invasive way to assess bone density. It is important to consult your physician if you have any questions about your bone health and whether you should consider having a DEXA. Some of the common reasons why a DEXA scan may be performed To evaluate bone density in patients with a history of osteoporosis or fractures To assess bone density in patients who are at high risk for osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women or men over the age of 70 To monitor bone density in patients who are taking medication to treat osteoporosis The bone density scan The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. During the scan, a small amount of X-ray radiation is used to take detailed images of the bones. Benefits of DEXA Scan DEXA scans are a quick and painless way to accurately measure bone density, body composition, and muscle mass. The main benefits of DEXA scans include: Assessing risk for fractures: DEXA scans can help identify individuals at high risk for fractures due to osteoporosis or other bone disorders. Who should have a DEXA scan? These include: Women who are postmenopausal or at increased risk for osteoporosis, such as those with a family history of the condition. Individuals who have suffered a fracture after minimal trauma. People who have a medical condition that affects bone density, such as hyperthyroidism or inflammatory bowel disease. Individuals who are taking medication that may affect bone density, such as glucocorticoids or anticonvulsants. Athletes and older adults who are interested in monitoring muscle mass or body composition changes. People who are trying to lose weight or gain muscle mass for health or aesthetic reasons. How often should a DEXA scan be done? What are the limitations of a bone density scan? How is the procedure performed? What will I experience during and after the procedure? Who interprets the results and how will I get them? What are the benefits vs. What are the limitations of a bone density scan? Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you: are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen. have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking. are a post-menopausal woman who is tall over 5 feet 7 inches or thin less than pounds. are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney or liver disease. use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs. have type 1 formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis. have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples. have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism. have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism. have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma. have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis. The Vertebral Fracture Assessment VFA , a low-dose x-ray examination of the spine to screen for vertebral fractures that is performed on the DXA machine, may be recommended for older patients, especially if: they have lost more than an inch of height. have unexplained back pain. if a DXA scan gives borderline readings. the DXA images of the spine suggest a vertebral deformity or fracture. There are two types of DXA equipment: a central device and a peripheral device. Your doctor will likely do this exam on an outpatient basis. The VFA test adds only a few minutes to the DXA procedure. Bone density tests are a quick and painless procedure. A clinician should review your DXA scan while assessing the presence of clinical risk factors such as: rheumatoid arthritis chronic renal and liver disease respiratory disease inflammatory bowel disease Your test results will be in the form of two scores: T score — This number shows the amount of bone you have compared with a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass. Benefits DXA bone densitometry is a simple, quick and noninvasive procedure. No anesthesia is required. The amount of radiation used is extremely small—less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest x-ray, and less than a day's exposure to natural radiation. DXA bone density testing is currently the best standardized method available to diagnose osteoporosis and is also considered an accurate estimator of fracture risk. DXA is used to make a decision whether treatment is required and it can be used to monitor the effects of the treatment. DXA equipment is widely available making DXA bone densitometry testing convenient for patients and physicians alike. No radiation stays in your body after an x-ray exam. X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam. Risks There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, given the small amount of radiation used in medical imaging, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the associated risk. Women should always tell their doctor and x-ray technologist if they are pregnant. The radiation dose for this procedure varies. See the Radiation Dose page for more information. No complications are expected with the DXA procedure. A Word About Minimizing Radiation Exposure Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. A DXA test cannot predict who will experience a fracture but can provide a relative risk and it is used to determine whether treatment is required. Despite its effectiveness as a method of measuring bone density, DXA is of limited use in people with a spinal deformity or those who have had previous spinal surgery. The presence of vertebral compression fractures or osteoarthritis may interfere with the accuracy of the test; in such instances, CT scans may be more useful. Central DXA devices are more sensitive and better standardized than pDXA devices but they are also somewhat more expensive. A test done on a peripheral location, such as the heel or wrist, may help predict the risk of fracture in the spine or hip. These tests are not as helpful in following response to treatment, however, and if they indicate that drug therapy is needed, a baseline central DXA scan should be obtained. Follow-up DXA exams should be performed at the same institution and ideally with the same machine. Bone density measurements obtained with different DXA equipment cannot be directly compared. Send us your feedback Did you find the information you were looking for? Yes No. Area Code:. Phone no:. Radiologist and patient consultation.
Preparing for a Bone Density Test - Innovative MRI Partners, LLC	Who Performs DEXA Testing? Some hormone treatments can increase the risk of osteoporosis. The scores of all each vertebra was recorded in both locations. Do You Have to Undress for a Bone Density Test? org , RSNA and ACR are not responsible for the content contained on the web pages found at these links. Hi Elizabeth, Thank you very much for bravely sharing your story. A bone density scan is a quick and painless procedure that involves lying on your back on an X-ray table so an area of your body can be scanned.
What is a Dexa Scan?	The technician will ask you to hold very still while the imaging arm above slowly moves across your body. The X-ray radiation level is low enough to allow the technician to remain in the room with you while operating the device. The scoring system for the scan measures your bone loss against that of a healthy young adult, according to standards established by the WHO. This is called your T score. Your results may also give you a Z score, which compares your bone loss to that of others in your age group. Your doctor will go over the tests results with you. The doctor may want to follow up with a second DEXA scan in two years, to measure any changes. If your results indicate osteopenia or osteoporosis, your doctor will discuss with you what you can do to slow bone loss and stay healthy. Treatment may simply involve lifestyle changes. Your doctor may advise you to start weight-bearing exercises , balance exercises, strengthening exercises, or a weight loss program. If your osteoporosis is more severe, the doctor may advise that you take one of the many drugs that are designed to strengthen bones and lessen bone loss. Be sure to ask about side effects of any drug treatment. Making a lifestyle change or starting a medication to help slow your bone loss is a good investment in your health and longevity. Studies suggest that 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation NOF. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Find out what exercises are best for building bone health, strengthening muscle, and improving balance. Learn how osteoporosis increases your likelihood of bone fractures, why postmenopausal women have a higher incidence of fractures, and how to reduce…. Dairy is the best source of calcium in the diet, the main mineral in bones. For this reason, milk is often recommended to optimize bone health. Calcium supplements can help you build strong bones. However, they may also cause negative health effects for many people. Osteopaths and chiropractors are healthcare professionals who offer complementary forms of medicine. While they treat similar conditions, their…. The prevalence of osteoporosis describes how common this condition is within specific groups. It's most common in women over the age of A bone density scan helps your doctor know if your bones are healthy. Results are reported as Z-scores and T-scores. Z-scores are used for people…. While research on the benefits of tai chi for osteoporosis is promising, researchers note the need for more rigorous studies. Here's what we know. Several doctors and other healthcare professionals can treat osteoporosis. The best option for you will depend largely on the underlying cause. Primary osteoporosis occurs when bone density and mass is lost due to changes that occur as you age. Learn about symptoms, causes, and treatment…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is a DEXA Scan? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Cost Purpose Preparation Procedure Results Outlook A DEXA scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. How much does it cost? How do you prepare for a DEXA scan? What do the results mean? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 15, Written By Marjorie Hecht. Share this article. After the scan, most people return to their daily activities without issue. Though the scan is safe, there are further adjustments that can be made to minimize exposure and risk to your baby. While you can certainly take the scan while pregnant, we do recommend waiting until after your baby is born, if possible. The Dexa Scan is designed and used to identify any and all problems, diseases, and conditions in the body. By looking at bone mass, bone mineral density, and body composition, the scan can check for certain diseases like liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis before they actually occur. The scan looks for internal warning signs of these diseases that might not show themselves until after its too late, giving you a useful advantage in reclaiming your health before problems develop. In addition to looking for these diseases, the Dexa Scan can also find weak points in your body and other risk factors. These weak points include areas where muscle mass is thinning, if there is any bone loss, or where fractures are more likely to happen. With this knowledge, you can give special attention to these areas to strengthen them to lower the fracture risks or chance of breaking a bone. Finally, the Dexa Scan also measures your body composition. This includes the amount of body fat you carry as well as how and where it is carried in the body. The Dexa Scan returns measurement data on deep belly fat, also known as visceral fat , and can be used to help identify and diagnose certain diseases and health problems like cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes. The scan is so thorough that it will be able to find excess fat between organs, identify problem areas, and determine issues like high cholesterol and metabolic disturbances. With the Dexa Scan, you are really getting a behind-the-scenes look at your body, giving you the knowledge and control you need to prevent health issues, lose weight, and improve your overall fitness. After the Dexa Scan, your test results will return data on your percentage of visceral fat, weak points within the body, warning signs of possible health issues and diseases, and more. The information from your results might be overwhelming at first, but it offers you a comprehensive look at where your body is health-wise. The results of your Dexa Scan are meant to help you know how much exercise you need, the type of diet you should start, the best ways to build muscle mass, and how to pull your body into the best shape of your life. You can learn how to target specific problem areas of visceral fat, thinning muscle, and brittle bones as well as gain pointers on how to improve fitness and overall health and wellbeing. Creating workouts, dietary plans, and wellness goals around the specific needs of your body are important steps for feeling better and living longer. For example, with the help of the Dexa Scan, you can identify the exact location of lean muscle in your body. This information is important because lean muscle plays an important role in the regulation of your metabolism as well as prevents bone thinning and helps prevent chronic diseases and pathologic conditions. Focusing on your muscles and strengthening them also improves blood sugar, sleep, and your balance! When your blood sugar is regulated, your balance is stable, and your sleep is sound and refreshing, you will find that your quality of life improves exponentially. Imagine how much better you can feel and look when you work on improving the different areas indicated in your Dexa Scan results. In short, the Dexa Scan has the power to improve your life. This scan offers a simple way to tremendously alter how you view your health and wellness, while also giving you the tools to change how you approach fitness and diet. The scan also helps you to work closely with your doctor about potential issues with your body. By pinpointing and determining problem areas, you and your doctor can make plans prevent and handle any health issues that come your way. Furthermore, the Dexa Scan prep is easy to follow and makes for a fast appointment. The Dexa Scan is all about the individual. It provides accurate results about your body that help you understand it better than ever. This information is absolutely priceless when it comes to finding ways to improve your health, wellness, and quality of life. If a Dexa Scan sounds like a great idea to you, you can sign up for one today. We have locations from San Francisco, California to Boca Raton, FL, and just about everywhere in between. When you find a location nearest you, you can easily set up an appointment to get your own Dexa Scan done! As discussions around diverse diets on identical twins unfold, our guide to DEXA scans becomes your compass in navigating the intricacies of personal health. Discover the science behind DexaFit's renowned services and unlock insights into how DEXA scans can propel you towards optimal health and wellness. Join the wave of those seeking precision, and let DexaFit be your trusted companion on this enlightening journey. People often confuse food sensitivity with food allergy. This is because a food sensitivity can trigger similar signs and symptoms of a food allergy. Reactions to food are common. If you track your carbs, time your laps and rarely forget your FitBit at home, you already understand the importance of collecting health data. The benefits of VO2 max testing reach far outside the realm of exercise—you can expect valuable insight into your risk for disease, energy level and even nutrition requirements. Food sensitivity afflicts a significant proportion of the population, yet many food sensitivities continue to go undiagnosed. Learn more about food sensitivity here! If you have been struggling with weight loss, or simply want to try something new for your physical fitness and overall wellness, metabolic testing could be what you're looking for. Read here to learn more about how metabolic testing could help you. Most athletes know that to keep themselves in top shape, they must eat well, sleep well, and exercise regularly. Find out how athletes are utilizing metabolic testing in their training regimen to gain benefits. Dexafit provides a full range of services designed to help you achieve your best health, best body, and best level of wellness. Continue reading here to find out how they can help you. With the vast amount of body fat tests on the market which method should you choose? Find out how to test body fat and which method is right for you! How can hydrostatic body fat testing benefit you? Find out the pros and cons of hydrostatic weighing to decide whether or not this method is right for you. Learn Our Story. How DexaFit Works. Partner with Us. Services DEXA Body Composition Scan. VO2max Cardiorespiratory Fitness. RMR Metabolic Analysis. Biomarker Analysis. Wellness Pro Marketplace.