The most common use of a DEXA scan is to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis. However, your doctor may also recommend a DEXA scan if you:

Have lost more than an inch of height

Have unexplained back pain

Have a thyroid or parathyroid condition

Have Type 1 diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease

Use medications such as corticosteroids or antiseizure medicines known to cause bone loss

Are a post-menopausal woman

Have a personal or maternal history of hip fractures

Have had a fracture from a mild trauma

Your risk of osteoporosis and bone loss increases if you have a history of smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, if you’ve had hormone-blocking treatments for cancer, you have a higher chance of bone loss.
As women are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, Sun Radiology offers DEXA scans and mammograms to support women’s wellness exams.

In most cases, you won’t need to do anything special to prepare for a DEXA scan. Don’t take any calcium supplements, antacids, vitamins, or a prescription for osteoporosis for 24 hours before your scan.
You should expect to spend around 30 minutes at Sun Radiology for your scan, but you can return to your regular activities as soon as your procedure is complete.