As a person reaches their fifties, their body starts to undergo a series of changes.
This is especially true in the case of women undergoing menopause.
In addition to their hormone levels changing, they are also undergoing the physical changes of not being able to menstruate any longer, so the levels of calcium and other nutrients run the risk of becoming depleted.
This is why, when a woman reaches this point in her life, she needs to get a bone density scan.
In order for bones to remain strong, they need the right amounts of calcium.
The denser bones are, the harder they will be to break.
Thus, a bone density scan checks to see how healthy the bones are, and if any additional supplements are needed.
The bone density scan itself is usually ordered by the woman's primary care physician as part of her overall physical exam.
The bone density scan itself will take place in an outpatient setting.
The day of the scan, the woman will be asked not to wear anything that contains metal in it.
This includes things like hair accessories, glasses, zippers, and buttons.
The woman will be asked to lay on an examining table while the scanner passes over her a couple of times.
It is very important that she stay completely still while the scanner is working.
The entire procedure will take about a half hour to complete, and in most cases, immediately afterward she will be able to resume her regular activities.