Menopause · Bone-density scans
Do I need a bone-density scan after menopause?
When a bone-density scan may help, what to expect, Medicare costs and how to discuss the result.
Do I need a bone-density scan after menopause?
Not everyone needs a bone-density scan after menopause. A scan may be useful when your age, fracture history, medicines or other health risks mean the result could change your care. Premature ovarian insufficiency is different: the current POI guideline recommends a scan at diagnosis where available. A GP can help you decide what applies to you.
What does a bone-density scan measure?
A bone-density scan measures the amount of mineral in your bones. It is usually called a DXA scan, although you may also see DEXA or bone mineral density scan. The hip and spine are commonly measured because the result can help estimate bone strength and fracture risk.
The scan is one part of an assessment. Your clinician also considers your age, previous fractures, falls, family history, menopause timing, medicines and health conditions. A normal result does not remove every future risk, and a low result does not tell the whole story. Healthy Bones Australia's DXA guide explains how results fit into a broader assessment.
When might a scan be worth discussing?
Menopause at the usual age does not automatically mean you need a scan. It is worth discussing when the result could affect your care, particularly if you have:
- had a fracture after a minor fall or injury;
- reached menopause early or been diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency;
- taken a medicine for a long time that can weaken bone;
- a health condition associated with bone loss;
- low body weight, recurrent falls or a strong family history of osteoporosis.
For confirmed premature ovarian insufficiency, or POI, the international POI guideline recommends DXA at diagnosis where it is available. Repeat timing is then guided by the first result and individual circumstances.
Ask a practical question: “What decision would this scan help us make?”
Who can refer me, and will Medicare help with the cost?
A GP or specialist can assess whether a scan may help and provide a referral. From 1 November 2026, participating nurse practitioners will also be able to refer patients for Medicare-eligible bone-densitometry services under six MBS items. The MBS factsheet explains the November change.
A referral does not by itself make the scan eligible for a Medicare rebate. The MBS has different pathways with specific criteria and limits on repeat testing. One initial age-based pathway applies from age 70, while other items cover defined clinical circumstances. MBS item 12320 sets out the age-based pathway and related rules.
The provider's fee is another question. Ask whether the scan will be bulk billed, what rebate is expected and what you will pay before booking.
What happens during a DXA scan?
A DXA scan is usually painless and does not involve going into a tunnel. You lie on a table while the scanner passes over the area being measured, commonly the hip and lower spine. It uses a small amount of radiation.
The imaging provider will give you preparation instructions. You may be asked to wear clothing without metal or change into a gown. Tell the provider if you may be pregnant, have an implant near the area being scanned, or recently had a contrast or nuclear-medicine test. Bring previous bone-density reports if asked, because comparison can be useful. InsideRadiology describes the procedure and preparation questions.
If you have a new injury, sudden severe pain or think you may have broken a bone, seek timely assessment. A routine bone-density scan is designed to measure bone density; it is not the test to wait for when a new fracture is suspected.
What do the T-score and Z-score mean?
Your report may include a T-score and a Z-score. A T-score compares your bone density with a young adult reference population. A Z-score compares it with people of a similar age and sex. Healthy Bones Australia's DXA guide explains these comparisons.
Your age and menopause status affect which score is most useful and how it is interpreted. A single cut-off is not a universal diagnosis. Ask the referring clinician which result matters for you, how reliable comparison with an earlier scan is, and what other risks affect the interpretation.
What happens after the result?
Your clinician combines the report with your fracture and falls history, medicines, health conditions and other risks. The next step might be reassurance, checking for a contributing cause, reducing falls risk, reviewing activity and nutrition, arranging follow-up, or discussing treatment options.
Do not start, stop or change a medicine or supplement because of one number on the report. Repeat scans are not needed on one universal timetable; timing depends on the first result, your risks and whether the result would change care.
Before leaving the referral appointment, ask who will receive the report and how you will discuss it. HerDoc's results and follow-up guide explains the practical steps for locally arranged imaging and a later result review.
What should I have ready for the appointment?
It may help to have:
- details of any fractures, falls and loss of height;
- earlier bone-density scans or reports;
- a list of medicines and supplements;
- the age your periods changed or stopped, and whether POI or early menopause applies;
- relevant health conditions and close family history; and
- questions about cost, results and follow-up.
You do not need every detail before making an appointment; bring the information you have.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Suspected new fracture needing timely in-person assessment
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, sudden facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty or another suspected heart attack or stroke. Seek prompt assessment after a fall if you cannot bear weight, a limb looks deformed, pain is severe or a fracture is possible. New symptoms need their own assessment rather than being attributed to menopause.
- New injury or suspected fracture
- Sudden severe pain