Doctors Urge DEXA Scans Before 65 for Women at Menopause
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9
Doctors Urge DEXA Scans Before 65 for Women at Menopause
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 9
Summary
A growing number of doctors and bone-health specialists say women should consider DEXA bone-density scans earlier than age 65, especially around menopause, to catch bone loss before osteoporosis develops.
The push reflects a prevention-focused shift as fracture risk rises sharply after menopause and experts argue waiting until 65 can miss a key window to protect bone strength.
Current American Medical Association guidance still recommends a first DEXA scan at 65 or older unless a woman has osteoporosis risk factors.
No major medical organization has endorsed routine screening for younger women without known fracture risks, and the approach has not been well studied in that group.