How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan?
Bone health is an important part of overall wellbeing, especially as you grow older. A DEXA scan, also called a bone density test, helps doctors check if your bones are strong or if you are at risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Many people are unsure about how often they should get this test. The answer depends on age, bone health, medical history, and risk factors.
What is a DEXA Scan and Why is it Important?
A DEXA scan, short for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, is a medical test that measures bone mineral density. It is quick, painless, and considered the gold standard for diagnosing conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.
- Osteoporosis is when bones become very weak and fragile, making them break easily.
- Osteopenia is a stage before osteoporosis where bone strength is lower than normal but not yet in the fracture zone.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) tells doctors how much calcium and other minerals are packed into your bones.
- T-scores and Z-scores are results that show how strong or weak your bones are compared to others.
This test is important because many people lose bone strength without noticing. A fracture in the hip, spine, or wrist often happens suddenly. Regular DEXA scans can detect bone loss early, help with treatment decisions, and prevent serious injuries.
General Guidelines for DEXA Scan Frequency
The frequency of DEXA scans is not the same for everyone. It depends on your age, gender, medical condition, and overall risk factors.
Standard DEXA Scan Interval for Healthy Adults
For healthy adults who have no history of fractures or risk factors, the general recommendation is to start screening at age 65 for women and age 70 for men. If the first scan shows normal bone density, repeating the scan every 10 years may be enough.
Recommended Interval for Osteopenia
If your DEXA scan shows osteopenia, doctors usually suggest repeating the test every 2 to 5 years. The exact time depends on how low your bone density is. People with mild osteopenia may wait longer, while those with advanced osteopenia may need closer follow-up.
Recommended Interval for Osteoporosis
For people already diagnosed with osteoporosis, the scan is repeated more often. Doctors often advise a DEXA scan every 1 to 2 years. This helps track how well the treatment is working and whether bones are getting stronger or weaker.
Frequency for High-Risk Groups
Some people are at higher risk of bone loss and may need earlier or more frequent scans. These groups include:
- Men over 70
- Women after menopause
- People taking long-term steroid medications
- Patients with sudden or severe weight loss, including those who had weight loss surgery
DEXA Scan Frequency Guidelines by Institutions
Different medical organizations give their own recommendations for DEXA scan intervals. These guidelines are based on research and large studies of bone health.
NHS DEXA Scan Frequency Recommendations
The NHS usually suggests bone density tests for people with risk factors such as family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, or long-term medication use. If results are normal, the test may not be needed for many years. If results show osteopenia or osteoporosis, follow-up scans every 2 to 5 years are often advised.
US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
USPSTF recommends DEXA screening for women aged 65 and older, and for younger women with risk factors. For men, testing may start at 70 if risk factors are present. Repeat scans are usually done every 2 to 5 years depending on bone health status.
Endocrine Society and International Osteoporosis Foundation Guidelines
Both groups recommend that once osteoporosis is diagnosed, scans should be repeated every 1 to 2 years to check treatment progress. For osteopenia, 2 to 5 years is the suggested gap. Healthy individuals with no bone concerns may only need testing once every decade after the first normal result.
How T-Scores Affect DEXA Scan Intervals
Your T-score result plays a big role in deciding when to repeat the scan.
Normal Bone Density (T-score ≥ -1.0) → rescan 10–15 years
If your T-score is normal, your bones are strong. In this case, a rescan may not be needed for 10 to 15 years unless risk factors change.
Osteopenia (T-score -1.0 to -2.5) → rescan 2–5 years
For osteopenia, the interval depends on how low the score is. A mild case may wait 5 years, but a more severe case may need a scan in 2 years.
Osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) → rescan every 1–2 years
If your bones already show osteoporosis, repeat scans every 1 to 2 years are standard. This allows doctors to see if medication is helping or if bone density is dropping further.
Severe Osteoporosis or Fragility Fracture → yearly monitoring
If you have severe osteoporosis or have already experienced a fragility fracture, yearly scans are often needed to closely track changes and adjust treatment quickly.
DEXA Scan Frequency for Special Conditions
Weight Loss Patients (e.g., bariatric surgery)
People who lose weight rapidly, especially after surgery, may lose bone density too. They may need more frequent bone scans, sometimes every 1 to 2 years.
Steroid or Cancer Treatment Patients
Long-term steroid use or certain cancer treatments weaken bones quickly. Doctors usually recommend DEXA scans every 1 to 2 years for these patients.
Postmenopausal Women
Women after menopause are at higher risk due to lower estrogen levels. Most guidelines suggest regular scans starting at age 65, and earlier if there are risk factors.
Men Over 70
Men aged 70 and above may face increased risk of osteoporosis. Screening at this age and follow-up every 2 to 5 years is generally recommended depending on results.
How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan for Body Composition
DEXA scans are not just for bone health. They are also widely used in sports medicine, weight management, and fitness monitoring. A body composition DEXA scan shows:
- Body fat percentage
- Lean muscle mass
- Visceral fat around organs
- Muscle balance between arms, legs, and core
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, this scan helps track training results, nutrition changes, and fat loss goals with high accuracy.
Want to optimize performance and track fitness progress? Explore our guide on DEXA Scan Body Composition for Athletes.
How often to repeat the scan:
- Recreational fitness enthusiasts: every 6 to 12 months to track long-term progress
- Athletes in training or bodybuilders: every 3 to 6 months for precise muscle and fat monitoring
- People in weight loss programs: every 6 months to check fat loss versus muscle retention
Since body composition changes faster than bone density, these scans are done more frequently for athletes compared to osteoporosis patients.
Curious about hidden fat and its health impact? Don’t miss our detailed guide on Visceral Fat vs Subcutaneous Fat: DEXA Guide.
Factors That May Change Your DEXA Scan Schedule
Your doctor may change the interval between scans based on different health conditions and lifestyle habits. Some of these include:
- Use of medications such as corticosteroids or bisphosphonates
- Family history of osteoporosis or fractures
- Past fractures even with mild injuries
- Lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, or low physical activity
- Low calcium or vitamin D intake
DEXA Scan Frequency at a Glance
The right time to repeat a DEXA scan depends on your age, bone health, and risk factors.
- Healthy adults with normal results: every 10 years or more
- Osteopenia: every 2 to 5 years
- Osteoporosis: every 1 to 2 years
- Severe osteoporosis or fractures: yearly
While guidelines give a general idea, your doctor will give the best advice for your situation. Regular communication with a healthcare professional ensures that bone health is managed correctly and risks are reduced.
Looking for a complete health check with imaging? Explore our guide on Full Body MRI Scan: All You Need to Know.
Protecting Your Bones with the Right DEXA Scan Schedule
Bone health is easy to ignore until a fracture happens, but prevention is always better than treatment. DEXA scans are safe, simple, and highly valuable in detecting changes in bone strength. Whether you are a healthy adult, someone with osteopenia, or a patient with osteoporosis, the right scan schedule can protect you from future complications. Always follow medical guidance to make sure your bones stay strong and your quality of life remains high.
Your Trusted Choice for DEXA Scan Appointments in the UAE
Knowing how often you should get a DEXA scan is only the first step in protecting your bone health. The next step is making sure you schedule it at the right center, with experienced specialists. That’s where Amax can support you. Amax connects you with personalized, reliable, and affordable healthcare services in the UAE by arranging DEXA scan appointments at trusted hospitals and diagnostic centers near you. Their focus is on quality, convenience, and peace of mind, so you can prioritize your health without the stress of searching on your own.
👉 Book your DEXA scan today through Amax and take the next step toward stronger bones and better health.
FAQs on DEXA Scan Frequency
How often should women over 65 get a DEXA scan?
Women over 65 should have at least one DEXA scan. If the result is normal, the next one may be in 10 years. If bone loss is found, scans every 2 to 5 years are common.
Should men over 70 get bone density scans?
Yes. Men aged 70 and older are at risk of osteoporosis and should get a scan. The frequency depends on the result, with healthy men often waiting longer between tests.
Can you get too many DEXA scans?
DEXA scans use very low levels of radiation, much lower than regular X-rays. Having too many is not usually harmful, but doctors recommend spacing them out to avoid unnecessary exposure.
What happens if your bone density worsens between scans?
If your results show worsening bone health, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan with medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes. The scan schedule may also become more frequent.
