Bone Density Scan Cost

[Sadtosaythis]

My Sister, Mum and Maternal Grandmother all have or had osteoporosis. I’m approaching 47 and for the last 18 months I’ve having a lot of bone pain. I would like to get a bone density scan but it’s unlikely I’d qualify for an NHS one due to my age. Has anyone had one privately and how much did it cost?

I'm 39 and I've had three bone density scans on the NHS with a similar family history to yours. One when I was about 29, and again after each of my pregnancies (at ages 34 and 38). I explained my family history to my GP and the referral was made with no issues.

Have you actually spoken to your gp? It may be worth discussing it with them, to see if you qualify with your family history.

Also, your bone pain should be investigated as well.

But in Answer to your question, I found this.

https://www.vista-health.co.uk/health-screens/bone-density-dexa-screening/

(not actually used them myself)

It says £125 but they'll also charge for interpreting the scan. I should think that will be expensive. I'd try your GP.

Thank you for replying. I’m going to contact my GP and find out what my options are. Thanks again.

I had my first dexa scan when I was about 50. I didn't ask for one but my dr sent me anyway after I was complaining about aching bones. Odd on reflection because I don't think there is pain with osteopenia or early osteoporosis?

You should certainly get a scan given your family history. I know someone in her mid 40s who has had one on the NHS.

I asked me gp for a dexa scan at 44, as my mum and aunties all have osteoporosis and both sisters had broken bones at the time. He didn't hesitate in referring me.

I think with your family history you would be offered at your age . I was turned away with my request for one as no family history of OP or OA . My friend who doesn't know her family history was offered.

Separately OP are you doing weight bearing exercises? Lifting weights and jumping or even lots of walking?

@crankytoes No. but my day does involve me being on my feet for about 6/7 hours a day and then in unsuitable seating for about another 2. Not sure that helps?

Absolutely speak to your GP. I had one mid 30s and I’ve no history of brittle bones. Yet

I had a DEXA scan done privately in central London last year and it was £125 plus my appt. cost with my private specialist who referred me in the first place.

I have been wondering the same. I'm 55, my mum has osteoporosis and my sister had a dexa scan after a fracture and was found to have low bone density.

I do try and do weight bearing exercise, small weights and exercise on a rebounder daily. I also eat a lot of calcium rich food and take vitamin D supplements.

But wonder if it might be useful to have a dexa scan.

@Netcam - you definitely should.

Do you take calcium tablets too?

My GP signed me up for one after a fall, I'm in my late 40s

Who was this with as Ive been looking, for some reason Im not getting results when I try to google it

If you are suffering from pain and also have a strong family history of osteoporosis, then there is no harm at all in asking your GP to refer you for a scan.

No, but I eat lots of calcium rich food throughout the day.

Milk, kefir/yoghurt, tahini, nuts/seeds, tinned sardines with bones, green vegetables, pulses.

My diet includes most of those every day, in fact they are the main things I eat, so I probably consume more calcium than the average person.

Apparently its collagen that we should be focusing on, not just calcium

That's useful. Kidney beans, citrus fruit, 85% chocolate, eggs, pumpkin seeds, salmon and garlic all came up in my search as good foods for collagen. They contribute to a large part of my diet too. I know bone broth is good, I do have it sometimes too.

It also looks like beef/chicken, which I eat a couple of times a week and nuts/seeds which I eat daily are good.

I had xrays to check for bone density recently

@Netcam - my gp said it was unlikely I would get the levels of calcium I need from diet alone. When I was first diagnosed with osteopenia he put me on calcium tablets straight away. Everyone I know with osteopenia/osteoporosis takes Adcal or similar (calcium plus vitamin D to aid absorption).

Thanks, I think I will ask for a Dexa scan due to the family history.

I had a look on here and I am sure I eat over 1000mg calcium a day. theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/nutrition-for-bones/calcium/calcium-rich-food-chooser/

But I'll see what the GP says.