Let’s talk about something most women don’t even think about until it’s too late: bone loss.
Here’s the kicker—you can lose up to 20% of your bone mass during the first 5 years of menopause… and never know it’s happening.
I am all about being proactive, not reactive when it comes to my health. I got a DEXA scan a few months ago and the information it provided me with was invaluable. So, let’s get into it and discuss one of the most important (and overlooked) health screenings for women over 40.
What Is a DEXA Scan?
Before we get into the details, let’s first define what the heck a DEXA scan even is. DEXA stands for Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fancy name, but don’t let that scare you. It’s a simple, painless scan that measures two things:
- Bone density (how strong your bones are)
- Body composition (your fat and lean mass)
The whole test takes about 10–20 minutes. You just lie still while the machine scans your body—no squeezing, poking, or awkward positions. It’s quick, non-invasive, and super informative.
Does insurance cover a DEXA scan?
The quick answer is that it depends. I know, not the answer you are wanting to hear but each insurance company is different.
Most insurance companies will cover a DEXA scan for these conditions and age groups:
- Women over 65, regardless of risk factors or medical conditions
- Postmenopausal women with risk factors (low body weight, family history, smoking)
- Men over 70 (or younger with risk factors)
- History of fragility fractures (i.e.. fracture caused by minor trauma)
- Long term use of a class of medications called corticosteroids (more than 3 months)
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Chronic conditions that affect bone density like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, eating disorders (anorexia, bulemia)
- Those already taking medication for osteoporosis to monitor effectiveness of treatment
- Low estrogen or testosterone states like premature ovarian failure, hypogonadism, use of certain medications used to treat breast or prostate cancer
- Those with a history of bariatric surgery
My advice is to talk with your medical provider and call your insurance company to see if the scan will be covered.
What if My Insurance Company Won’t Cover a DEXA Scan?
If your insurance company won’t cover a DEXA Scan, you still can get the test. You will just have to pay out of pocket. You can either get the scan done through your local doctor’s office or a better and cheaper option is to find a business that offers these services like DexaFit. I am fortunate to have a center close by so that is where I went. I did not need a referral and only paid $99 for the test. Which in my opinion, is cheap considering the information it provides. Just google “DEXA scan testing near me” to check what options are in your area.
Why Bone Health Matters More After 40
Once we hit our 40s, estrogen starts to drop—and that hormone plays a major role in bone maintenance. During perimenopause and menopause, bone breakdown can outpace bone-building. That’s why conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis are so common in midlife women.
In fact, 1 in 2 women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Scary, right?
The Hidden Value of a DEXA Scan
What I love about DEXA scans is that they give you a heads-up—you can catch low bone density before it becomes a fracture risk.
You’ll also get data on your muscle mass and fat distribution, which is gold if you’re focused on body recomposition or building strength.
Think of it like a health snapshot—your starting point for aging strong.
But What About These Myths?
Let’s bust a few common ones:
- “I exercise, so I don’t need one.”
Exercise is awesome (you know I’m all for it), but it doesn’t guarantee healthy bones—especially if you’re not doing the right kind of training. - “I’m not postmenopausal yet.”
Bone loss starts in perimenopause! Early data = early action. - “It’s too expensive.”
Many insurance plans cover DEXA scans—especially if you have risk factors. And if not? It’s often around $100—less than a fancy facial or a dinner out.
So Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
If you’re over 40, I say yes—especially if:
- You’re thin-framed or have low body weight
- You’re taking a GLP-1 agonist like Ozempic or considering it
- You’ve had fractures, take certain meds, or have a family history of osteoporosis
A good timeline? Get your baseline scan in your early-to-mid 40s, and then repeat every 2–5 years depending on your results.
What Do You Do With the Results?
Your scan will give you:
- T-scores: Compare your bone density to a healthy 30-year-old
- Z-scores: Compare your bone density to someone your age and size
T-score of -1 to -2.5 = osteopenia. Below -2.5 = osteoporosis.
But don’t panic—this is your wake-up call, not your destiny.
With the right strength training (especially weight-bearing and impact exercises), high-protein nutrition, jump training (plyometrics) and smart supplements, you can protect—and even rebuild—your bones. It is not TOO late!
Takeaway: Knowledge = Power
Getting a DEXA scan is one of the most empowering things you can do for your long-term health. Don’t wait for a fracture or a diagnosis to take your bones seriously.
You deserve to feel strong, supported, and informed. For more info about how to reverse bone loss without medication check out this blog post:
How to Reverse Bone Loss Without Medication
Ready to Take Action?
Ask your provider about getting a DEXA scan—or better yet, schedule one. And if you’re ready to start building your bones now, grab my free Bone Building Blueprint—it’s packed with tips on strength training, nutrition, and more.
👉 Click here to download the Bone Building Blueprint
Let’s age with strength and confidence, together.
