Is there amy benefit in having a private Dexa scan?

[Kingfisherfly]

I'm 56 and both my parents suffer with osteoporisis and osteoarthritis. Both have suffered fractures without known trauma.

So, I have to assume I'm high risk.

I do most of the things recommended for prevention. Lots of weight bearing exercise (running). Healthy weight and varied mainly wholefood diet. Lots of greek yogurt and some cheese.

I take a vitamin D and calcium supplement.

I do some weight training, although aimed at running, not heavy lifting.

I'm not on HRT because progesterone makes me evil.

I'm considering a private dexa scan, to find out exactly what condition I'm in, the NHS will only do one once you suffer a fracture.

But, if it shows some declline but I haven't yet got any symptoms is there anyhting further that would/should be done?

Also, Boots offer a cheaper ultrasound that looks at bone density. Is there any point in that?

I had one on NHS at 48 due to age and my mum having osteoporosis. This puts me in higher risk and according to Nice guidelines means a scan is recommended. (Mine showed no signs thankfully.) Ask your GP.

I suspect DEXA referrals vary between practices and individual GPs. I had my first scan in my mid-50s whilst living abroad, and the bisphosphonate was prescribed immediately after. When I moved back to England I showed the scan results and the Rx to my GP and they continued the Rx and ordered another scan at the 10-year mark.

NB: In the US, DEXA scans for osteoporosis to prevent osteoporotic fractures is recommended in postmenopausal women younger than 65 years who are at increased risk for an osteoporotic fracture as estimated by clinical risk assessment, and in all women over 65.

I think it would be very sensible to have one. I really don't understand why they don't routinely give all women a baseline one at menopause.

In case it's of interest, there's very good evidence that eating 50 grams of prunes per day has a significant protective effect

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35798020/

I got one due to family history. It didn’t show any issues at the time so I’m surprised you can’t get one too: maybe it depends on your GP

I have one next week through the NHS. There is a family history of osteoarthritis which I have as well. I just emailed the surgery, told them my age and that I have osteoarthritis and they were quite happy to refer me. I run, walk and 3 times a week lift heavy weights so am hopeful it is ok.