DEXA scans measure the key health markers that change during perimenopause: declining bone density (early osteoporosis risk), loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), increase in visceral fat (metabolic health risk), and redistribution of body fat to the abdominal area. These measurements help you understand whether hormone changes are affecting your body composition and whether your current health strategies are effective.

Most women benefit from scanning every 3-6 months during perimenopause to track the rate of change in bone density, muscle mass, and body composition. If you're actively working to prevent bone loss or maintain muscle through resistance training and nutrition changes, quarterly scans help you confirm your strategies are working. Your first scan establishes your baseline, and follow-up scans show whether you're maintaining, improving, or need to adjust your approach.

Yes. DEXA scans are the gold standard for measuring bone density and detecting early bone loss before it becomes osteoporosis. During perimenopause, declining estrogen accelerates bone loss, but this process is often invisible without testing. Regular DEXA scans allow you to monitor your bone density trends and take preventive action through weight-bearing exercise, nutrition, and medical interventions if needed—potentially preventing osteoporosis before it develops.

A scale only shows total weight, which can be misleading during perimenopause when you may be losing muscle and gaining fat simultaneously—maintaining the same weight while your body composition deteriorates. DEXA scans reveal exactly what's changing: whether you're losing muscle that needs to be preserved, accumulating dangerous visceral fat, or experiencing bone density loss. This precision allows you to focus on maintaining lean mass and bone health, not just managing weight.

Your comprehensive DEXA report includes body fat percentage by region, lean mass distribution, visceral fat volume, bone density with Z-scores and T-scores, and trends over time if you've scanned before. You'll see exactly where body fat is accumulating, how your muscle mass compares to healthy ranges, and whether your bone density is declining. View our sample report here to see the detail you'll receive. Our 24/7 AI consultant can help you understand what your numbers mean and suggest next steps.

DEXA scans start at just $39.95—far less than traditional medical imaging facilities that charge $300 or more. We believe preventative health monitoring during perimenopause should be accessible, not a luxury. Learn more about pricing here and discover why we're the most affordable option for regular health monitoring.