Can Menopause Cause Osteoporosis? How a DEXA Scan Can Help

Menopause brings a lot of changes to your body, but not all of them are noticeable. One of the most significant is bone loss. As estrogen levels drop during and after menopause, your bones can lose density faster than your body can rebuild it. In fact, women can lose up to 20% of their bone density in the first five to seven years after menopause begins.

This is why bone health deserves attention well before any symptoms show up. Osteoporosis, the condition where bones become weak and brittle, is often called a “silent” disease because most people don’t know they have it until they break a bone.

How Estrogen Protects Your Bones

Your bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding. Estrogen plays a major role in keeping that process balanced. It helps slow the breakdown of old bone and supports the growth of new bone tissue.

During menopause, estrogen production drops significantly. Without that protective effect, bone breakdown starts to outpace bone rebuilding. This is especially rapid in the first few years after your final period, which is why early screening matters.

What Is a DEXA Scan?

A DEXA scan (also called a DXA scan) is a quick, painless imaging test that measures your bone mineral density. It’s similar to getting an X-ray and usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The scan focuses on areas most vulnerable to fracture, like the hip and spine.

The results come back as a T-score, which compares your bone density to that of a healthy 30-year-old. Here’s what the numbers mean:

T-score of -1.0 or above: Normal bone density
T-score between -1.0 and -2.5: Osteopenia, meaning lower-than-normal bone density
T-score of -2.5 or below: Osteoporosis

All women should have a DEXA scan by age 65. However, your provider may recommend one earlier if you have certain risk factors, such as a history of fractures, low body weight, smoking, a family history of osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, or conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.