DEXA Bone Density Scan

Gold-standard DEXA bone mineral density scan for osteoporosis assessment and fracture risk stratification, reviewed by endocrinologist Dr Cho Li Wei. Particularly recommended for post-menopausal women, older men, and patients with endocrine conditions affecting bone health.

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) bone density scanning at LW Cho Endocrine Clinic is provided within the context of full specialist endocrinology care, distinguishing it from standalone radiology centres. Dr Cho Li Wei has extensive experience managing osteoporosis in the context of its most common endocrine drivers — including menopause-related oestrogen deficiency, hypogonadism in men, thyroid disorders, hypercortisolism, and prolonged steroid use. The DEXA scan is a fast, painless, and low-radiation procedure that measures bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine and hip — the sites most clinically relevant for fracture risk. The resulting T-score compares the patient's BMD against the peak bone mass of a healthy young adult: a T-score above -1.0 is normal, between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia (low bone mass), and below -2.5 confirms osteoporosis. The Z-score, which compares BMD against age-matched norms, is also reported and is particularly useful for younger patients. At LW Cho Endocrine Clinic, DEXA results are interpreted within the full clinical picture. Dr Cho reviews the patient's hormonal status, medication history, dietary calcium and Vitamin D intake, and lifestyle factors before contextualising the T-score. This is especially important for patients already under the clinic's care for menopause HRT, andropause TRT, or thyroid disorders — conditions where bone health monitoring is an integral part of long-term management. Where osteopenia or osteoporosis is identified, Dr Cho develops a personalised bone health plan that may include calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, bisphosphonate therapy, hormone optimisation, weight-bearing exercise recommendations, and fall prevention strategies. Serial DEXA scans are scheduled at appropriate intervals (typically every one to two years) to track treatment response and guide therapeutic decisions. The scan is clinically indicated for post-menopausal women, men over 70, patients on long-term corticosteroids, individuals with a previous fragility fracture, and those with endocrine conditions known to accelerate bone loss. Early identification of reduced bone density enables timely intervention before fracture risk becomes clinically significant.