What a DEXA Scan Measures

A DEXA scan is a quick, painless imaging test that measures how dense your bones are. It usually focuses on the spine and hip areas that carry your weight and are most important for mobility and independence. The scan uses a very low level of radiation - far less than a standard X-ray - and takes only a few minutes while you lie still.

The main purpose of the scan is not to diagnose anything on its own, but to help you understand where your bones are starting from so you can support them with daily habits, nutrition, and awareness.

Understanding Your Results: T-Scores and Z-Scores

T-Score

The T-score compares your bone density to that of a healthy young adult. A score close to zero means your bones are similar in density. A lower score may show some bone thinning, which is common as we age.

General ranges often look like this:

Above -1.0: Bone density is typical
-1.0 to -2.5: Some bone thinning (often called osteopenia)
Below -2.5: More significant bone thinning (often labeled osteoporosis)

These labels are categories, not predictions. They do not tell your future, your strength, or what your bones are capable of improving.

Z-Score

The Z-score compares your bone density to that of others your age. This can help determine whether your bone changes are a natural part of aging or are influenced by factors such as nutrition, hormones, or lifestyle patterns.

What Your Scan Does Not Tell You

A DEXA scan does not tell you how strong your bones are in everyday life, how likely you are to experience a fracture, or why your bone density changed. It does not describe your movement, daily habits, or nutritional patterns. It offers a starting point-a snapshot that helps guide supportive next steps.

What Can Influence Bone Density Over Time

Many life experiences can shift bone density gradually:

Hormone changes, especially around menopause
Not getting enough calcium, protein, or mineral cofactors
Sitting more than moving
Chronic stress affecting sleep and recovery rhythms
Certain medications and long-term health conditions

These influences do not happen overnight, and they can be supported over time with steady, practical choices.

Practical Steps You Can Take After a Scan

You do not have to overhaul your life to care for your bones. Small, gentle, consistent steps can make a difference over the months and years ahead.

Include weight-bearing movement most days, walking counts.
Eat enough protein to support bone and muscle repair.
Ensure vitamin D levels are in a healthy range through sun or supplementation if needed.
Choose foods rich in calcium and minerals, especially leafy greens and seeds.
Support good sleep and steady stress recovery when possible.

When Additional Support May Be Helpful

Every woman's bone health story is unique. Hormonal changes, nutrient intake, physical activity, stress patterns, and genetics all influence how bones rebuild and maintain strength. If you're unsure which factors matter most for you, gaining insight into your own biology can make your next steps clearer and more grounded. Our guide on personalized wellness explains how tools like nutrient testing, hormone assessment, and metabolic markers can help you understand what your body needs-and how to support it effectively.

For women who want to support the rebuilding side of bone strength, some choose a companion strontium formula such as OsteoV SC. Strontium works differently from calcium by encouraging the activity of bone-building cells over time, offering a complement to daily calcium and mineral intake.

A Calming Perspective

Bone density can change, and it can improve. Progress comes from steady habits, not perfection. You are not behind. You are simply beginning from where you are today, and your bones can respond to the care you offer them.

Next in This Bone Health Series

In the next article, we'll look at three key nutrients that help your body use calcium effectively-especially vitamin K2, magnesium, and strontium. These nutrients help guide minerals into the bone, support healthy bone building, and maintain balance over time. You can read more in our next article on how K2, magnesium, and strontium strengthen bones.

Understanding Bone Density Scans (DEXA): What Your Results Really Mean