What is a DEXA scan?

Your DEXA scan report

Your DEXA report gives a T-score, usually for the hip and spine. MedlinePlus lists:

• a T-score of -1.0 or higher as normal
• between -1.0 and -2.4 as low bone density (osteopenia)
• -2.5 or lower as probable osteoporosis

Your doctor reads it with your other risk factors.

What a DEXA scan tells your doctor

Bone thinning gives no warning signs until a bone breaks, so a DEXA scan is how you find out early.

It is usually recommended for women aged 65 and over, and earlier if you have risk factors such as:

• low body weight
• a fracture after 50
• a family history of osteoporosis
• low calcium or vitamin D intake
• diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• smoking or long-term alcohol use

Catching low bone density early gives you years to slow the loss.

What happens at the scan

The scan itself is simple: you lie still on a padded table for about 10 to 30 minutes.

Before the scan:

• you usually stay in your own clothes, without metal buttons, zips or jewellery
• you may be told to skip calcium supplements for a day or two beforehand

What changes your result over time is how you live:

• calcium-rich foods like ragi, dahi and til
• enough protein
• safe sunlight for vitamin D
• weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking, climbing stairs and strength work