Why Midlife Women Should Get a Bone Density Scan—Before It's Too Late

Bone density scans are a preventative health tool that midlife women should seriously consider, as bone loss accelerates dramatically during perimenopause and one in two women will experience a fracture from weak bones in their lifetime. These scans, which cost around £200, can reveal your bone health status before problems develop, giving you time to take action through lifestyle changes and other interventions.

Why Does Bone Health Matter So Much for Midlife Women?

Your bones reach their peak strength in your late 20s and early 30s, then naturally decline at about 1% per year. But here's where things get concerning: when perimenopause arrives, that rate of bone loss triples as your body produces less estrogen, the hormone that protects bone density. According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, one in two women—50% of us—will experience a fracture as a result of weak bones during our lifetime. As orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright, author of "Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide To Ageing With Power," warns: "Your bones are silent until they break. And then they scream".

This isn't just about avoiding a broken wrist. Fractures from osteoporosis can lead to serious complications, loss of independence, and long-term health consequences. The good news? Catching bone loss early through screening gives you years to strengthen your bones before a fracture happens.

What Are Your Bone Scan Options?

Two main types of bone density scans are available in the UK, and both measure how dense—and therefore strong—your bones are. The choice between them depends on availability and your preferences:

• DEXA Scan: An X-ray based test that the National Health Service (NHS) uses to assess osteoporosis and fracture risk. The scan takes about five minutes, during which you lie on a bed while a scanning arm passes over your lower body to X-ray your spine and hip—the two areas that typically show bone density loss first. You receive a T-score number for both areas, showing how your bone density compares to the optimal peak for a healthy 25-year-old of the same sex. The radiation exposure is minimal, so annual scans pose no safety concern.
• Echolight Rems Ultrasound: A newer ultrasound-based option that is relatively new to the UK and is offered by mobile clinics such as Screen My Bones. This scan is increasingly available at convenient locations like gym and supermarket car parks, as well as through corporate wellness programs, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Cost and Accessibility: Both scans cost approximately £200. The NHS offers DEXA scans in some cases, but availability is limited, so most people seeking a scan will need to book privately. Your GP is unlikely to refer you for a scan unless you're over 50, have previously broken a bone, or have risk factors such as frequent steroid use.

The key difference is that DEXA is the gold standard used by the NHS and has decades of research behind it, while Echolight Rems offers convenience through mobile clinics. Both provide valuable information about your bone density status.

Should You Get a Bone Scan Before Age 50?

The NHS typically doesn't recommend routine bone scans for women under 50 unless specific risk factors are present. However, the rise of preventative screening through private clinics suggests that many midlife women are choosing to get scanned before they reach 50, particularly as they approach perimenopause. A £200 scan is positioned as "a sound investment to help future-proof your health," according to health experts. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, take medications that affect bone health, or are entering perimenopause, discussing a bone scan with your doctor could be worthwhile.

The real value of a bone scan lies in what comes after. Once you know your bone density status, you can work with healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan that may include dietary changes, exercise modifications, and other lifestyle adjustments to strengthen your bones before bone loss becomes severe enough to cause fractures.