Calcium Deficiency in Menopause: Practical Guide to Maintain Bone Health
Worried about bones after menopause? Learn how to spot calcium deficiency, hit daily targets, choose foods/supplements, train smart, and time a DEXA scan.
Bone Density DEXA: What You Need to Know
Ever wonder why doctors keep talking about DEXA scans? In plain terms, a DEXA (Dual‑Energy X‑ray Absorptiometry) test measures how much mineral is in your bones. The numbers it gives you tell if your skeleton is solid, getting weaker, or somewhere in between. Knowing this early can mean the difference between staying active and facing fractures later.
Most people think DEXA is only for seniors, but it’s useful for anyone with risk factors – for example, a family history of osteoporosis, long‑term steroid use, or a rapid weight loss plan. If you’ve had a fracture from a low‑impact fall, a DEXA can pinpoint whether low bone density contributed.
How the DEXA Scan Works
The machine looks a lot like a small table with a moving arm that slides over you. You’ll lie down, and the arm passes a low‑dose X‑ray beam across the hip and spine. The beam’s two energy levels let the computer separate bone from soft tissue, giving a precise density reading in seconds.
Because the radiation dose is tiny – less than a day's background exposure – the test is safe for most adults. Pregnant women should skip it unless the doctor says it’s essential.
Understanding Your Results and Next Steps
Results come as a T‑score, comparing your bone density to a healthy 30‑year‑old of the same sex. A T‑score of ‑1.0 or higher is normal. Between ‑1.0 and ‑2.5 signals osteopenia (low bone mass), and ‑2.5 or lower indicates osteoporosis.
If you land in the osteopenia range, your doctor will likely suggest lifestyle tweaks: weight‑bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and maybe a short‑term supplement. A osteoporosis diagnosis usually adds prescription meds that slow bone loss, along with the lifestyle changes.
Don’t forget follow‑up. Most guidelines recommend repeating a DEXA every 1‑2 years if you have a low score, or every 3‑5 years if you’re in the normal range. Tracking trends helps you and your doctor see if treatment is working.
Cost can vary, but many insurance plans cover it when you meet risk criteria. If you’re paying out‑of‑pocket, ask the clinic about discounts or community health programs.
In a nutshell, a DEXA scan is a quick, low‑risk way to get a snapshot of bone health. Armed with the numbers, you can take concrete steps – from diet tweaks to medication – to keep your bones strong and reduce fracture risk.
