Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis (DXA)

Bone Density Screening for Osteoporosis (DXA)

As a woman, your bones are naturally thinner and smaller than a man’s. During menopause, your estrogen level is reduced, putting you at further risk of brittle bones and bone loss. Your chances of developing a condition called osteoporosis increases as you age. To catch the condition early and to help prevent the possibility of a broken bone, your healthcare provider at UWH of The Carolinas may perform a screening known as a DXA.

A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, or DXA, uses a very low level of x-ray to measure your bone density. To do this, the DXA will measure the amount of calcium and other minerals that are packed into a segment of your bones, typically in the hip, spine, and forearm. The scan can help you and your provider ensure that your bones are healthy and protected.