There is no single schedule that fits everyone. How often you need a bone density scan depends on your age, your first result and your risk factors. Many people with normal results can wait several years between scans. People with low bone density, or those starting treatment, are usually rechecked every one to two years. Your clinician sets the right interval for you.
This guide explains who should be screened, how often scans are typically repeated, and what your results mean. It is general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
What is a bone density scan?
A bone density scan measures how much mineral is in your bones, usually at the hip and lower spine. It is the standard test for diagnosing osteoporosis and estimating fracture risk. The most common method is a DXA (or DEXA) scan, which uses a very low dose of X-ray.
The scan is quick and painless. You lie on a padded table while a scanner arm passes over you. Most hip and spine scans take about 10 to 20 minutes, and there is no needle or injection.
A bone density scan is different from a DEXA body composition scan, which measures fat and muscle across the whole body. Both use DEXA technology, but they answer different questions. If you want to track fat, lean mass and visceral fat, see our DEXA scan in San Diego page.
Who should get a bone density scan?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidance in January 2025. It recommends osteoporosis screening for:
- All women aged 65 and older
- Postmenopausal women under 65 who have one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
For men, the Task Force found the evidence insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening. That does not mean men are never tested. It means the decision is made case by case, based on risk. You can read the full USPSTF osteoporosis screening recommendation.
Common risk factors your clinician may consider include:
- Early menopause, or a long gap without periods
- Low body weight
- A parent who broke a hip
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Long-term use of steroid medicines such as prednisone
- Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or an overactive thyroid
- A previous fracture from a minor fall
If you are going through perimenopause or menopause, bone health is worth raising early. Our guide to perimenopause signs and symptoms explains why bone loss speeds up in the years around menopause.
How often should you repeat a bone density scan?
Once you have a first scan, the timing of the next one depends mostly on that result. The Task Force noted that the evidence on the best screening interval is limited, so clinicians use the first result and your overall risk to decide.
As a general pattern:
| Your situation | Typical approach to repeat scans |
|---|---|
| Normal bone density and low risk | Often several years before the next scan |
| Mildly low bone density (osteopenia) | Often every few years, depending on the T-score |
| Low bone density close to the osteoporosis range | Often every 1–2 years |
| Starting or changing osteoporosis treatment | Often 1–2 years after starting, to check the response |
| New risk factor (steroid use, new fracture, major illness) | May be rechecked sooner |
These are typical patterns, not rules. Your clinician may choose a different interval based on your history, medicines and results.
Insurance also affects timing. Medicare generally covers a bone density test once every 24 months for people who qualify, and more often when it is medically necessary. Private plans vary, so check your coverage before booking.
What your T-score means
Your report will usually show a T-score. It compares your bone density with that of a healthy young adult. The World Health Organization ranges are:
| T-score | What it means |
|---|---|
| −1.0 or higher | Normal bone density |
| Between −1.0 and −2.5 | Low bone density (osteopenia) |
| −2.5 or lower | Osteoporosis |
A T-score is only one piece of the picture. Your clinician may also use a fracture-risk tool that adds your age, history and other factors. For a closer look at the difference between the two diagnoses, read osteoporosis vs. osteopenia.
Your report may also show a Z-score, which compares you with people of your own age and sex. Z-scores are mainly used for younger adults and premenopausal women.
Why scanning too often is not helpful
Bone density changes slowly. If scans are too close together, the real change can be smaller than the normal variation of the machine. That makes the results hard to interpret.
For the most reliable comparison over time:
- Use the same clinic, and ideally the same machine, for follow-up scans
- Keep your scan dates and results together for your clinician
- Avoid calcium supplements on the day of the scan, unless your clinician says otherwise
- Tell the clinic if you have had a barium study or contrast scan recently
How to prepare for your scan
Wear comfortable clothes without metal zips, buttons or belts. You may be asked to remove jewelry. Tell the technologist if you might be pregnant. Most people can eat and drink as normal before the scan.
Bone density scans in San Diego
Timely Health offers a bone density scan in San Diego as part of a preventive approach to long-term health. Your results are reviewed with you, so you understand what they mean and when to recheck. If you are navigating hormone changes as well, our menopause doctor in San Diego can look at bone health alongside symptoms and treatment options.
Call us at (858) 838-3900 or book your scan online.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a woman get a bone density scan?
The USPSTF recommends screening for all women 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors. How often to repeat it depends on the first result. Normal results often allow several years between scans, while low results are usually checked every one to two years.
At what age should you start bone density scans?
For most women, routine screening starts at 65. It may start earlier after menopause if you have risk factors. Ask your clinician whether earlier testing makes sense for you.
Should men get bone density scans?
There is no routine screening recommendation for men. A clinician may still order a scan if you have risk factors, such as long-term steroid use or a fracture from a minor fall.
Is a bone density scan safe?
Yes. A DXA scan uses a very low dose of radiation, much lower than a standard chest X-ray. Tell the clinic if you might be pregnant.
Does Medicare cover bone density scans?
Medicare generally covers a bone density test every 24 months for people who meet its criteria, and more often if it is medically necessary. Check your plan for details.
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your clinician about the screening schedule that is right for you.