When should you get your bones checked? An expert guide

Oct 21, 2025 2 min read •

Aging Health and Wellness Medical Testing

According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Understanding when should you get your bones checked is the key to proactive bone health, allowing for early detection and intervention before a fracture occurs.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the recommended ages and key risk factors that determine when to get a bone density test. It covers the screening process for both women and men, explains how results are interpreted, and offers strategies for improving bone health.

Key Points

Age Recommendations for Screening: Women over 65 and men over 70 should get a DEXA bone density scan.
Screening for Younger Adults: Postmenopausal women under 65 and men under 70 should consider testing if they have specific risk factors like family history or low body weight.
Identify Risk Factors: Medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease) and long-term medication use (e.g., corticosteroids) can increase osteoporosis risk.
Lifestyle Impact: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to bone loss and may necessitate earlier screening.
Understand Your Results: A T-score is used to diagnose bone health, with -2.5 or lower indicating osteoporosis for older adults.
Proactive Prevention: A diagnosis of low bone density requires proactive management, including dietary changes and weight-bearing exercise, to slow bone loss.
Regular Monitoring: Follow-up DEXA scans are often recommended every two years to monitor bone density and treatment effectiveness.

Who Needs a Bone Density Test and When?

A bone density test, most commonly a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, is a simple, non-invasive procedure that measures the strength of your bones. It is the most effective way to diagnose osteopenia (low bone mass) or osteoporosis (weakened bones) before you suffer a fracture. The recommendations for who needs to be screened and when varies based on age, gender, and individual risk factors.

Screening guidelines for women

Recommendations for bone density screening in women, who are at higher risk for osteoporosis after menopause, include all women age 65 and older, postmenopausal women under age 65 with risk factors, and women who have gone through premature menopause.

Screening guidelines for men

Recommendations for men's bone density screening include all men age 70 and older, men ages 50 to 69 with risk factors, and any adult with a fragility fracture, regardless of age.

Risk factors that can trigger earlier screening

Certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of osteoporosis, leading doctors to recommend earlier DEXA scans. These include chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or kidney disease, long-term use of corticosteroids, smoking, excessive alcohol use, a history of fracture after age 50, or significant height loss.

The DEXA Scan: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A DEXA scan is a quick and painless procedure where you lie on a table while a scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test and wear comfortable clothing without metal. The scan takes 10 to 20 minutes and uses a very low dose of radiation.

How to Interpret Your Bone Density Test Results

Results are reported as a T-score for postmenopausal women and men over 50, comparing your bone density to healthy young adults.


T-Score Range	Diagnosis	Meaning
-1.0 or higher	Normal	Healthy bone density.
-1.0 to -2.5	Osteopenia	Low bone density; increased fracture risk.
-2.5 or lower	Osteoporosis	Significantly low bone density; weakened bones.

For younger adults, a Z-score compares results to others of the same age, sex, and ethnicity; a score below -2.0 may require further investigation.

What if My Bones are Weak?

An osteoporosis or osteopenia diagnosis calls for preventative measures, which may involve lifestyle changes and medication. These include ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through diet and supplements, incorporating weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, and potentially using prescribed medications to slow bone loss or build bone.

Conclusion

Proactive bone health is crucial as you age. Knowing when should you get your bones checked and understanding your risk factors helps prevent fractures and maintain quality of life. Discuss your situation with a healthcare provider and follow screening recommendations. Early detection through a DEXA scan allows for effective intervention with treatments and lifestyle adjustments before osteoporosis leads to a fracture.

Bone Health Resources

For more information on osteoporosis, explore resources like the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A bone density test, or DEXA scan, is a low-dose X-ray that measures the mineral content and strength of your bones, most commonly in the hip and spine. It is the gold standard for diagnosing osteopenia or osteoporosis.

You will lie on a padded table for about 10-20 minutes while a scanner arm moves over your body. The scan is painless and non-invasive, with minimal preparation required, such as avoiding calcium supplements for 24 hours prior.

Common risk factors include age, female gender, Caucasian or Asian descent, low body weight, family history of fractures, and certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor can help assess your personal risk profile.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare for those over 65, cover osteoporosis screening for women age 65 and older and other high-risk individuals. Coverage for men varies, but may apply if risk factors are present.

Osteoporosis is often called a 'silent disease' because there are usually no symptoms until a bone breaks. The first sign is often a fracture from a minor fall or even a sudden back pain from a spinal compression fracture.

Yes, men can get osteoporosis. Approximately 1 in 4 men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. Screening is typically recommended starting at age 70, or earlier if risk factors exist.

While both use X-ray technology, a regular X-ray provides a picture of your bones, whereas a DEXA scan specifically measures the bone's strength and mineral content to detect thinning. A significant amount of bone loss must occur before it is visible on a standard X-ray.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.