A DEXA scan is a quick, painless imaging test that uses very low-dose X-rays to measure your bone mineral density, usually at the hip and lower spine. Doctors use it to check for osteoporosis and your risk of breaking a bone. A whole-body version can also measure fat, muscle, and bone.
Key Takeaways:
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Your doctor wraps up your checkup and adds one more thing, “Let’s get you a DEXA scan.” You nod along. But on the drive home, you start to wonder. What is it? Will it hurt? And what exactly are they looking for?
So, what is a DEXA scan? It’s a quick test that checks your bone density, one of the best clues to how strong your bones are. It can spot bone loss early, often years before a fracture happens. That gives you time to take steps to protect your bones. Below, we’ll walk you through what happens during the scan and how to read your results.
What is a DEXA Scan?
A DEXA scan is a special type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density (BMD), which is how much mineral, mostly calcium, is in your bones.1
Bone density is a strong clue to how sturdy your bones are, but it isn’t the full picture. Bone strength also depends on bone quality, such as the bone’s inner structure. In fact, bone density accounts for about 70% of bone strength.2 3 So, a DEXA scan shows your risk of a fracture, but it can’t predict for sure whether you’ll break a bone.
DEXA stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone specialists now prefer the shorter name DXA, 3 so that’s what you’ll often see on your doctor’s order or test report. Many hospitals and patients still say DEXA, though, and both names mean the same test. You may also hear it called a bone density test or bone densitometry.
Doctors use it to check for osteoporosis, when bones become thin and fragile, and osteopenia, an earlier stage of bone loss. Neither one causes symptoms at first, so many people only find out after a fracture. 4 The scan usually checks your hip and lower spine, where breaks tend to be the most serious.
How Does Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Work?
During a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, the machine sends two low-dose X-ray beams through your body, each at a different energy level.1 Bone and soft tissue absorb them differently. The computer then subtracts the soft tissue, leaving a clear measure of your bone.
Regular X-rays aren’t designed to measure bone density. By the time bone loss shows up on one, a lot of bone, often estimated at 30% or more, may already be gone.5
A DEXA scan picks up much smaller changes, which is why it’s the standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis.
What Will a DEXA Scan Tell You?
That depends on which type of DEXA scan your doctor orders. There are two main kinds, and they answer different questions.
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Bone Density DEXA |
Whole-body Composition DEXA |
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What it measures |
How dense your bones are |
How much fat, muscle, and bone you have |
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Areas scanned |
Usually the hip and lower spine |
Your whole body, head to toe |
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Main purpose |
Checks for osteoporosis and fracture risk |
Tracks fat and muscle changes over time |
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Usually for |
Older adults, especially women after menopause |
Athletes, people losing weight, older adults watching for muscle loss |
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Scan time |
About 10 to 30 minutes |
About 10 minutes or less |
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Referral needed? |
Usually yes |
Often no |
What a Bone Density Scan Shows
This is the scan most doctors mean when they say “DEXA.” It measures your bone density and shows whether you've lost bone.
Your results come as two numbers: a T-score and a Z-score. We'll talk about these later.
What a Body Composition Scan Shows
This scan looks at your whole body. Your report will show:
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Body fat percentage
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Lean mass, which is mostly muscle
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Visceral fat, the hidden fat around your organs that’s linked to heart disease and diabetes6
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How much fat and muscle you have in your arms, legs, and trunk
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On a GLP-1 medicine? Here’s what to know Many people taking weight-loss medicines like Wegovy or Zepbound now use body composition scans to check that they’re losing fat, not muscle. Keep in mind that DEXA’s “lean mass” includes water and organs, not just muscle.7 So, a drop in lean mass isn’t always muscle loss. Your doctor can help you read the results. |
Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?
Your age, sex, and health history all play a part. Here’s what the latest guidelines say:
At What Age Should a Woman Get a Bone Density Test?
In January 2025, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)7 updated its advice for women:
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Age 65 and older: Get a bone density test, even if you feel fine.
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Under 65 and past menopause: Get tested if you have one or more risk factors (see the list below).
Your doctor may use a short risk quiz to decide if you need a scan before 65.
At What Age Should Men Get a Bone Density Test?
The USPSTF’s advice is different for men. It says there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend for or against routine scans in men.8
Other health groups do give guidance, though. The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) recommends a bone density test for men aged 70 and older, and for men aged 50 to 69 who have risk factors.9
For men under 70, there’s no set age. Whether you need a scan depends on your own risk factors and your doctor’s assessment. Men do get osteoporosis, but they’re less likely to be tested.
Risk Factors That May Mean You Need a DEXA Scan Sooner
Talk to your doctor about a DEXA scan if any of these apply to you:
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You broke a bone from a minor fall after age 50
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A parent broke a hip
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You have a small, thin frame or low body weight
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You smoke
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You have three or more alcoholic drinks a day
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You went through menopause early, before age 45
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You’ve lost height or your posture has become stooped
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You have rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or an overactive thyroid
Some medicines can also thin your bones over time 10, especially:
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Steroids like prednisone, taken for three months or more
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Some seizure medicines
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Acid reflux medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), taken long term
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Hormone treatments for breast or prostate cancer
What to Expect: How a Bone Density Test is Done
A DEXA scan is one of the easiest medical tests you’ll ever have. There are no needles, no dye, and no closed tunnel like an MRI. The steps are the same for women and men.
Before Your Scan:
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Eat normally on the day of your test.
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Skip calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your scan.1
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Wear comfortable clothes without zippers, buttons, or metal. You may be asked to change into a gown.
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Tell the staff if you’ve had a barium test or a CT scan with contrast dye recently. You may need to wait 10 to 14 days.
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Let them know if you are or might be pregnant.
During Your Scan
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You lie on your back on a padded table.
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For a spine scan, the technologist places a foam block under your legs to flatten your lower back.
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For a hip scan, your foot goes into a brace that gently turns your hip inward.
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A scanner arm passes slowly over your body. It doesn’t touch you.
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You stay still, and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.
The scan doesn’t hurt. If you have back pain, lying flat may feel a little uncomfortable, so let the technologist know. They can help you get comfortable.
How Long Does a Bone Density Test Take?
A standard bone density test takes about 10 to 30 minutes. A full-body DEXA scan for body composition takes about 10 minutes on the table, though the whole visit may take around 20 to 30 minutes.11
After Your Scan
You can drive home and go back to your normal day right away. A radiologist reviews your images and sends the results to your doctor, usually within a few days.
Understanding Your DEXA Scan Results
Your report may show several numbers. For most older adults, the main one is your T-score, which compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult.12 The closer your score is to zero, the better.
So, what is a normal DEXA scan score? For women after menopause and men aged 50 and older, doctors use these ranges:12
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T-Score |
What it Means |
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-1.0 or higher |
Normal |
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-1.1 to -2.4 |
Osteopenia (low bone mass) |
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-2.5 or lower |
Osteoporosis |
If you’re younger, these ranges don’t apply. For women before menopause, men under 50, and children, doctors use the Z-score, which compares you with people your own age and sex. A Z-score of −2.0 or lower is below the expected range, and your doctor may look for a medicine or health condition causing bone loss.9
Your T-score isn’t your whole fracture risk. Your doctor also weighs your age, past fractures, and other risk factors. Many reports combine these into a FRAX score, your chance of breaking a bone in the next 10 years.9
If your results are low, the usual next steps are exercise, calcium, and vitamin D, plus medicine if your fracture risk is high. Most people get scanned again about every two years.1 Try to use the same imaging center each time, so your results compare accurately.
Is a DEXA Scan Safe?
Yes. A DEXA scan is one of the safest imaging tests you can have. It has no side effects, and you won’t feel a thing. A DEXA scan uses less than one-tenth the radiation of a standard chest X-ray.1 That’s less than you get from the natural world around you in a single day.
The main exception is pregnancy. If you are or might be pregnant, tell your doctor before the scan.
DEXA scans are very accurate, but they do have a few limits:
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Arthritis or old fractures in your spine can make your spine score look better than it really is.
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Results from different machines can’t be compared exactly.
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It shows your risk of breaking a bone, but it can’t predict for sure whether you will.
The Bottom Line
A DEXA scan is one of the simplest ways to check your bone health and fracture risk. It’s quick, painless, and uses very little radiation. If you’re over 65, past menopause with risk factors, or just curious about your fat and muscle, it’s worth asking your doctor about.
And if your results come back low, don’t panic. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are common. Exercise, good nutrition, and the right treatment can all help protect your bones for years to come.
Calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise are the foundation of bone health. Some people also add nutrients that support how the body maintains bone. GG-Essential® from Wellness Extract provides 150 mg of annatto-derived geranylgeraniol (GG-Gold®) per softgel. Your body uses GG to make vitamin K2, which plays a role in bone health, and your natural GG levels drop with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a DEXA scan cost?
If your doctor orders the scan, insurance usually covers it. Medicare Part B covers one every 24 months if you qualify.13 Without insurance, a bone density scan costs about $100 to $400.14 Body composition scans cost about $40 to $200 and usually aren’t covered.
Q2: Can a DEXA scan show cancer?
No. A DEXA scan measures bone density, not cancer. To check whether cancer has spread to the bones, doctors use a different test called a nuclear bone scan.10
Q3: What are the warning signs of low bone density?
Often there are none. Bone loss is silent until a bone breaks.4 Later signs can include losing height, stooped posture, back pain, or breaking a bone from a minor fall.
Q4: Can I improve my bone density after 60?
Yes. Strength training, walking, and getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein can all help protect your bones. If you have osteoporosis, medicine can slow bone loss and, in some cases, help build new bone.9 Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Q5: What are the 5 worst foods to eat if you have osteoporosis?
You don’t need to cut these out completely, but it’s smart to limit:15
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Salty and processed foods, which make your body lose calcium
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Heavy drinking
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Too much caffeine from coffee, tea, or soda
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Colas
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100% wheat bran cereal, which can block calcium from milk eaten at the same time
References:
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Radiological Society of North America & American College of Radiology. (2024). Bone densitometry (DEXA, DXA). https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dexa
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NIH Consensus Development Panel on Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy. (2001). Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. JAMA, 285(6), 785–795. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.285.6.785
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International Atomic Energy Agency. (n.d.). Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry – Bone mineral densitometry. https://www.iaea.org/resources/rpop/health-professionals/other-specialities-and-imaging-modalities/dxa-bone-mineral-densitometry
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National Institute on Aging. (2022). Osteoporosis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis
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Balzano, R. F., Mattera, M., Cheng, X., Cornacchia, S., & Guglielmi, G. (2018). Osteoporosis: What the clinician needs to know? Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, 8(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5835663/
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Yang, S., Chen, Q., Fan, Y., Zhang, C., & Cao, M. (2024). The essential role of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in the prediction of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 11, Article 1377299. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1377299/full
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Neeland, I. J., Linge, J., & Birkenfeld, A. L. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon-like peptide-1-based therapies and mitigation strategies. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 26(Suppl. 4), 16–27. https://dom-pubs.pericles-prod.literatumonline.com/doi/10.1111/dom.15728
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US Preventive Services Task Force. (2025). Screening for osteoporosis to prevent fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 333(6), 498–508. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2829238
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LeBoff, M. S., Greenspan, S. L., Insogna, K. L., Lewiecki, E. M., Saag, K. G., Singer, A. J., & Siris, E. S. (2022). The clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis International, 33(10), 2049–2102. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-021-05900-y
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Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 28). DXA scan (bone density test). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10683-dexa-dxa-scan-bone-density-test
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UC Davis Health. (n.d.). Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition analysis. https://health.ucdavis.edu/sports-medicine/health-and-wellness/body-composition
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World Health Organization. (1994). Assessment of fracture risk and its application to screening for postmenopausal osteoporosis: Report of a WHO study group (WHO Technical Report Series No. 843). https://iris.who.int/items/08e29d2d-188e-4efc-9d76-2950c2c22824
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Bone mass measurements. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/bone-mass-measurements
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Composition ID. (2026). DEXA scan cost in 2026: Body composition and bone density. https://www.compositionid.com/blog/dexa/dexa-scan-cost/
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Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. (n.d.). Your guide to a bone healthy diet. https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/healthy-bones-guide-tips/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or conditions.
