Going In For A Bone Density Test? Read This First

I shouldn’t have been surprised when my doctor sent me to get my first bone density test in 2017—when I was only 54 years old. No, she didn’t suspect that I had osteoporosis, or that I was at risk of bone fractures. Instead, what she was focused on was prioritizing what she calls preventive health. She told me that she wanted me to get a baseline test so that she could see what my bones looked like when I was in my 50s, compared to bone scans that I would have later in life.

(For reference, she explained, many women typically don’t start getting tested until they’re 65.)

Before I went for that initial DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) bone density scan, I had no idea what to expect. My doctor had said that it would be an X-ray of my bones, which sounded simple enough. Still, I wasn’t sure if there would somehow be an unpleasant aspect to the test, since mammograms are screening tests, too, and involve uncomfortable compression. I remember feeling really anxious on my way to the hospital for my first bone density test.

Once I was called back to my appointment in the women’s imaging department, I started to calm down. The technician told me that I could keep my clothing on during the test. She also gave me a pillow, so that I’d be comfortable while lying down. In the middle of my test, I remember telling the technician, “This might be the most relaxing part of my day today!”

Since then, I’ve had bone density tests every two years. They’ve all been covered by my health insurance, and they’ve all been stress-free and relaxing. If you’re heading for your first bone density test, here’s what you need to know.

There’s not much to do to prepare for a bone density test. No clear-liquid diet, unlike a colonoscopy—and no skipping my deodorant in the morning, unlike a mammogram.

The only thing that I was told to do differently was to avoid taking any calcium supplements the day before the test and the day of the test. (Easy enough!)

I wasn’t told to wear anything special, but I might dress differently for my next bone scan. At my most recent test, the technician noticed that my pants had a metal zipper, which would be detected by the DEXA scan. Instead of making me remove my pants, the technician just folded my zipper in such a way that it wouldn’t interfere with the X-ray. Next time, I’ll remember to wear something without metal zippers or buttons.

A bone density test is easy because you just lie there. There’s no physical pain, like you might experience with a mammogram. And, you don’t feel the chill of the metal table beneath you, because you’re in your own clothing, not a paper gown.

What’s even better is that the entire exam is quick—maybe 10 or 15 minutes plus the time it takes for the technician to set everything up. All told, I think I was in and out within half an hour at my last scan.

During the test, your technician may ask you to reposition yourself so they can get specific angles on the imaging. For example, I had to lie on my side so the machine would get proper images of my hip. I didn’t have problems with any of the positions. None were difficult or made me feel like I was a contortionist.

And, unlike other imaging tests where you’re in a confined space or need to be in close proximity to the machine, the imaging arm of the DEXA machine hovers and moves above you from a comfortable distance. (No claustrophobia here!)

A couple of days after my bone density test, the results showed up in my online patient portal. I met with my doctor shortly thereafter, and she went over the results with me.

Thankfully, none of my test results have shown any signs of osteoporosis, but after my most recent test, my doctor did recommend that I begin exercising regularly with light weights and to start taking calcium and vitamin D3 daily to protect my bone health. She also explained that because calcium is absorbed more effectively from food sources than from pills, I should eat more calcium-rich foods like leafy greens. (Plus, I make sure to add a healthy splash of milk into my morning cup of coffee.)

I’m glad that my doctor focuses on preventive medicine and is helping me make better health decisions. I learned recently that my mother has osteoporosis, so it’s probably wise that we’re keeping tabs on my bone density.

My mother’s doctors discovered that she has osteoporosis when she fractured her hip last year. She didn’t know about it because she hadn’t had a bone density test in 20 years. After her diagnosis, I remember asking my mother, “Why haven’t you gone? It’s such an easy test.”

So many health tests involve significant preparation or require you to take a day off from work. A bone density test doesn’t have that kind of impact on your life. It takes half an hour of your day and you’re done … and you get to lie down during the test, possibly with a comfy pillow.

• Here’s how to know if it’s time for a bone density test.
• Eating the right foods can help keep your joints and bones healthy and strong. Here’s what to add to your shopping list.
• Preventive screenings are a key component to a healthy life. Here’s what you need to plan for.