11 Doctor-Recommended Women's Health Screening Tests You Should Know

4. Bone Density Screening (DEXA scan)

Bone density testing measures the strength of your bones to assess osteoporosis risk and fracture chance. For average-risk women, many guidelines recommend starting DEXA screening at age 65. Women with risk factors — a thin body frame, long-term steroid use, smoking, low calcium intake, or a family history of fractures — may start screening earlier, often around age 50. The test is quick and painless: you lie on a table while the scanner measures bone density at the hip and spine. Avoid taking calcium supplements right before the test unless your clinician tells you otherwise. Results are reported as T-scores that compare your bone density to a healthy young adult; lower scores indicate weaker bones and may prompt lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications to reduce fracture risk. If you’ve had a fracture after age 50, ask your doctor about testing sooner. Strong bones support mobility and independence, making screening an important part of long-term health planning.