Who should have a DEXA bone density scan?

Anyone at higher risk of bone loss. Typical reasons include:

• menopause, especially before age 45
• a parent's hip fracture
• a broken bone after a minor fall
• corticosteroid tablets, such as prednisone, for 3 months or more
• smoking, heavy drinking or a low body weight
• a condition or medicine that weakens your bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis or some hormone treatments for breast or prostate cancer

Age adds to the risk, so the scan matters more the older you are. In younger people, missed periods or stress fractures can mean eating too little for their training. These also need a doctor's check now. Your pre-consultation checks whether the scan suits you.