| DEXA Scans-What to Expect |
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Mammogram. Check. Colonoscopy. Check. Blood pressure. Check.
DEXA scan. Check. Wait! DEXA scan? What is a DEXA scan and why add it to your never-ending list of things to do?
You might be at risk for osteoporosis if you can answer 'yes' to any of the following:
- Female---but men are not excluded!
- Caucasian
- Advanced age
- History of bone fracture
- A small thin frame
- A family history of osteoporosis
- Ovaries removed
- Early menopause
- Low calcium diet
- Lack of exercise
- History of an eating disorder
- Certain medications (such as steroids or anticonvulsants)
- Alcohol and/or tobacco use
According to Linda, a technologist at The Women's Center @ North Suburban Medical Center, a DEXA scan requires an order from your doctor and takes about fifteen minutes of your time. No contrast ('dye') is used, and other than being still on the table, you won't feel anything during the scan. The machine measures the strength and density of your bones. The DEXA scan does not diagnose arthritis or other bone or tissue problems. The results are sent to a radiologist for interpretation and after a few days, your referring medical provider receives a report of your scan. If the results show diminishing bone density, your doctor may provide medication and eventually a followup scan. |
