Your healthcare provider might suggest you have a DEXA scan if you are at increased risk of developing a bone condition like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where your bones are thinner and weaker than normal. This means that they can break more easily, eg, after a small bump or fall.
You might be at risk of weaker bones if you:
- have a health condition such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease
- have had early menopause (younger than 40 years of age)
- have been taking oral glucocorticoid medicines for 3 months or more
- have a parent or sibling who has had a fracture before 65 years of age.
The results of the DEXA scan help your healthcare provider estimate your risk of fractures (broken bones). If you're having treatment for osteoporosis the scan can also be done to see how well the treatment is working.