Women's Bone Health

WOMEN’S BONE HEALTH

Women’s Bone Health

Private Bone Density & Osteoporosis Screening in London

Hormonal changes, menopause and ageing can all affect bone strength. Our expert bone health assessments help detect osteoporosis and low bone density early, providing reassurance and supporting long-term bone health.

Osteoporosis Screening – DEXA Bone Density Scan – Bone Health Assessment £115

Consultant-led reporting

Central London clinics

Same-day appointments

Results within 24 hours*

Why is bone health important for women?

Bone health changes naturally throughout life.

Women lose bone density more rapidly after menopause because falling oestrogen levels accelerate bone loss.

Although osteoporosis develops silently, early assessment can identify reduced bone density before fractures occur.

A Bone Health Assessment provides valuable information to help you understand your bone health and whether further investigation or treatment may be appropriate.

20s to 30s

Peak bone density

40s

Bone density starts to decline

50s

Menopause accelerates bone loss

70s

Higher fracture risk

Bone Health Assessments are commonly recommended for:

Adults over 50+

Post menopausal

Early menopause

Anyone with a previous low-impact fracture

People taking long-term steroid medication

Those with a family history of osteoporosis

People with low body weight

Smokers

People with certain nutritional deficiencies

Anyone whose GP has recommended a bone density assessment

Monitoring your bone health

A Bone Health Assessment isn’t only used to diagnose osteoporosis.
It can also:

01

monitor bone density over time

02

assess whether treatment is working

03

establish a baseline for future comparison

Repeat assessments are often recommended to monitor changes over time. Your clinician will advise the most appropriate interval for your individual circumstances.

Our women’s bone health services

Our expanded bone health service offers a range of assessments to help diagnose osteoporosis, assess fracture risk and better understand your bone health.

Bone Density Scan

Measures bone density to help diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia

Osteoporosis Screening

Estimates your future fracture risk using recognised clinical risk factors.

Body Composition

Analyse body fat, lean muscle and overall body composition.

Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Loss of height

Back pain

Stooped posture

Fragility fractures

Reduced mobility

Early menopause

Loss of height

Back pain

Stooped posture

Fragility fractures

Reduced mobility

Early menopause

*Report turnaround times are based on working days (Mon-Fri) and may vary depending on scan type and clinical requirements.

Important: The symptoms and risk factors shown on this page are not exhaustive. All imaging and assessments are subject to clinical suitability, referral acceptance criteria and justification where applicable.

Oryon Imaging

Why choose Oryon?

01

Same-day appointments available

02

Consultant musculoskeletal radiologists

03

Results within 24 hours*

04

Harley Street district & Mayfair

05

Trusted by over 700 patients on Trust Pilot

Explore women’s bone health

Bone Health & Menopause

Bone density can reduce more quickly after menopause. Learn when a DEXA scan may be appropriate.

Body Composition

Measure body fat, lean muscle mass and fat distribution using DEXA technology.

Understanding Osteoporosis

Learn about osteoporosis risk factors, early detection and what your results may mean.

Concerned about your bone health?

Our team can help determine which assessment is most appropriate for your needs.

FAQs about DEXA scans for Women’s Bone Health

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a quick, low-dose imaging test used to measure bone mineral density.

Often referred to as a bone density scan, it helps assess bone strength and identify early signs of bone loss, including osteopenia or osteoporosis. DEXA scans are widely used because they are accurate, fast, and involve very low levels of radiation.

What is a Bone Health Assessment?

A Bone Health Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your bone strength and fracture risk. Using a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan—the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density—it can help identify osteoporosis, osteopenia and other changes in bone health before symptoms or fractures occur.

At Oryon, our Bone Health Assessment combines advanced DEXA imaging with consultant-led reporting to provide clear, clinically relevant information about your bone health. The assessment may also include additional specialist examinations, where appropriate, to support diagnosis and ongoing management.

Whether you’ve been referred by your GP or consultant, meet the criteria for self-referral, or simply want reassurance about your bone health, a Bone Health Assessment can help you make informed decisions about your long-term wellbeing.

What does a bone density scan assess?

During a DEXA scan, we typically assess:

The hips

The lower spine

These areas are most commonly affected by bone density changes and provide a reliable indication of overall bone health.

Results are compared against established reference values and reviewed by experienced clinicians, helping guide next steps where needed.

What to expect at your DEXA scan

From the moment you arrive, our friendly, experienced team will guide you through each step of your appointment.

The scan itself is painless and usually takes 10–15 minutes. You’ll remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on the scanner table while images are taken.

If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always on hand to help you feel informed and at ease.

Can I self-refer?

In many cases, yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria for self-referral, you may be able to book a Bone Health Assessment without first seeing your GP. If a referral is required, our Fast-Track Referral Service can arrange a consultation with an appropriate clinician.

How much does a DEXA scan cost in London?

Our DEXA scan London cost is clearly displayed before booking, with pricing starting from £115.

Is a DEXA scan safe?

A DEXA scan is low risk but any concerns you have can be explained to you on the day by a clinician.

How long does a DEXA scan take?

The scan itself typically takes 10–15 minutes.

Where are your DEXA clinics located?

Our clinics are based in the Harley Street district of central London, making access to your bone density scan London appointment straightforward and convenient.

Why is the DEXA considered the gold standard?

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is recognised as the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density. It provides highly accurate, low-dose imaging that can detect osteoporosis and osteopenia before symptoms develop, helping clinicians assess fracture risk and guide treatment decisions.

What happens if osteoporosis is found?

If your Bone Health Assessment identifies osteoporosis, your consultant or GP will discuss the most appropriate next steps. This may include lifestyle advice, calcium and vitamin D recommendations, further investigations or medication to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of fractures.

Detecting osteoporosis early allows treatment to begin before a fracture occurs.

What’s the difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia?

Osteopenia means your bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a more advanced loss of bone density that significantly increases the risk of fractures.

A DEXA bone density scan can accurately identify whether your bone density is normal, reduced (osteopenia) or within the osteoporosis range.

Can I have a body composition assessment at the same appointment?

Body composition assessments use the same DEXA technology to measure body fat, lean muscle mass and fat distribution.

These assessments are available for specific clinically justified indications and approved referral pathways. Our team can advise whether this assessment is appropriate for you.

How often should I have a bone density scan?

The recommended interval depends on your individual circumstances, age and medical history.

For many patients, repeat bone density scans are performed approximately every 18 months to monitor changes over time or assess response to treatment. Your clinician will advise the most appropriate schedule for you.

Who should have a bone density scan?

A bone density scan may be recommended if you:

Want reassurance about your bone health following discussion with a healthcare professional
Are aged 50 or over
Have gone through menopause
Have experienced a low-impact fracture
Have a family history of osteoporosis
Take long-term steroid medication
Have a medical condition that affects bone health
Have been referred by your GP or consultant

Can I have a body composition assessment?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. Body composition assessments use DEXA technology to measure body fat, lean muscle mass and fat distribution.

These assessments are suitable for specific medical pathways and other approved indications. Our team will be happy to discuss whether this assessment is appropriate for you.

What’s included in my report?

Your Bone Health Assessment report is reviewed by an experienced consultant and includes:

Your bone mineral density measurements
An assessment for osteoporosis or osteopenia
Information about your fracture risk where appropriate
Clear explanations of your results
Recommendations for any appropriate follow-up or discussion with your referring clinician

Your report is designed to provide both you and your healthcare professional with clear, clinically relevant information to support decisions about your ongoing bone health.

Does menopause cause bone loss?

Yes. Falling oestrogen levels after menopause accelerate bone loss, increasing the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

At what age should women have a bone density scan?

Women over 50, those who have gone through menopause, experienced early menopause or have other osteoporosis risk factors may benefit from a Bone Health Assessment.

Your clinician can advise whether a DEXA scan is appropriate for you.

Should all post-menopausal women have a bone density scan?

Not everyone requires screening, but women with recognised risk factors may benefit from assessment. Early detection can identify reduced bone density before fractures occur.

What are the first signs of osteoporosis in women?

Osteoporosis often develops without symptoms. Some women only discover they have osteoporosis after a low-impact fracture.

Loss of height, back pain or a stooped posture may develop later.

Can osteoporosis be prevented after menopause?

While bone loss cannot always be prevented completely, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, exercising regularly and identifying osteoporosis early can all help reduce fracture risk.

Can I have a bone density scan before menopause?

Yes. Women with certain medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, long-term steroid use, early menopause or other recognised risk factors may be referred for assessment before menopause.

Is osteoporosis hereditary?

Family history is a recognised risk factor. If a close relative has osteoporosis or has experienced fragility fractures, your own risk may be increased.