Dexa bone density scan

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the PP's who had it under age 60, what prompted the test?

If I’m remembering correctly, early menopause prompted my gyn to order a baseline.

[Anonymous]

Had one at 50 (female). My mother in her 70s has definitely lost height, like a lot of it, and it seemed to happen overnight in her early 70s, but I don’t know if she’s ever had a DEXA and has never told me she’s been diagnosed with osteoporosis. She’s also never had a fracture.

Aside from that, no real risk factors other than that I am small. My doctor told me that being under 127 pounds is a risk factor, and that insurance may cover it because of that. Insurance did cover it, although I don’t know if that was why. I initiated it myself just after reading up on the risks of bone loss during perimenopause, no doctor told me I needed it, but my gyn prescribed it when I asked for it.

I did not have osteoporosis, but I’d like to keep it that way. I’m still going to do everything. I can’t protect my bones.

[Anonymous]

^Do everything I can to protect my bones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the PP's who had it under age 60, what prompted the test?

9 months of high dose oral steroids (20-40 mg Prednisone per day)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For the PP's who had it under age 60, what prompted the test?

Cancer drug impacting bone density, and long history of eating disorder. Osteoporosis found, which has prompted yearly follow-up scans to see if the bisphosphonates are working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:52, female, it was not covered but I have a high deductible. It was about $200 or so.

What was the reason for them declining to cover it? Is it not considered screening if necessary?

High deductible plan via DC Healthlink.

My mother has osteoporosis and my grandmother had osteoporosis. I’m in menopause. I’ve had some issues with joints and my doctor wanted to get a baseline. I have osteopenia in my hip and low lumbar. Not rare to find at this age, but a good kick in the rear to get myself more serious about long term health.