Keeping Score: How to Understand Your Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Numbers

Age is just a number. But it’s an important factor when it comes to your bone health.Everyone loses bone mass as we age, but women are at higher risk for osteoporosis — a condition that causes bones to become thin and weak — compared to men. With osteoporosis, something as simple as a sneeze can cause bones to break and seriously affect your quality of life and overall health.Osteoporosis gets worse over time, but early management of your bone health can help keep your bones strong.Thankfully, a simple imaging test called a DEXA scan can tell you everything you need to know about your bone health.We know it can be a pain to add another test to the long list of health check-ups. But talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) about a DEXA scan if you have risk factors such as low body weight, a family history of osteoporosis, a history of fractures or health conditions that may impact bone health. And all women 65 and older should get a DEXA scan to screen for osteoporosis.Here’s what you need to know about DEXA scans and what your test results mean for your health.Read: A Guide to Medical Imaging for Women >> What is a DEXA scan and what does it measure? A dual-energy X-ray absorp...