Summary
Discover why a DEXA scan may be one of the most important health screenings you haven’t had—yet. In honor of Osteoporosis Awareness Month, this article breaks down five key reasons to consider a DEXA scan at the Couri Center, including who needs one before age 65, what to expect, and how our expert team supports bone health with integrative care. Whether you're navigating perimenopause or simply planning ahead, early detection matters. Schedule your scan today.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About DEXA Scans—Available Right Here at the Couri Center
May is Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month
Bone loss starts earlier than most women realize—and it doesn’t always announce itself. May is National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month, and at the Couri Center, we’re raising awareness about one of the most powerful early detection tools available: the DEXA scan.
Whether you’re in your 30s, navigating menopause, or simply planning ahead, a DEXA scan can give you critical insight into your bone strength—and help prevent fractures before they happen.
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A DEXA Scan Is Quick, Easy & Radiation-Safe
A DEXA scan (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is a non-invasive test that measures bone mineral density—specifically at the hip and spine, where fractures are most dangerous.
- Just 15–20 minutes
- Fully clothed, painless, no prep needed
- Radiation exposure is extremely low
- Performed in-house at the Couri Center
Read more: What is a DEXA Scan?
by Deborah Collins, MS, PA-C
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It’s the Gold Standard for Diagnosing Osteoporosis
DEXA is the most accurate method to detect low bone density and assess fracture risk. It’s also used to monitor how well your treatment or lifestyle changes are working.
🔗 International Osteoporosis Foundation – Diagnosis
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You May Need It Before Age 65
Think DEXA scans are just for postmenopausal women? Think again. The Couri Center encourages early screening for women with risk factors, including:
- Early menopause or perimenopause
- Small body frame or low weight
- Thyroid or autoimmune disorders
- Long-term steroid use
- Family history of osteoporosis
Read more: CouriGirl Fact: Risk Factors for a DEXA Before 65
by Dr. Michele Couri, MD, FACOG, ABIHM
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It Helps Catch Silent Bone Loss Before Fractures
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it typically shows no symptoms—until a fracture occurs. A DEXA scan helps detect bone loss early, giving you time to act.
Read more:
Am I at Risk for Osteoporosis?
by Deborah Collins, MS, PA-C
The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
by Dr. Michele Couri, MD, FACOG, ABIHM
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It’s One Piece of a Complete Bone Health Strategy
A DEXA scan is just the beginning of your bone health journey. At the Couri Center, we take a proactive, integrative approach—combining early detection with customized care that includes nutrition, movement, and prevention.
Here’s how our team supports your bones at every stage of life:
Calcium Without the Cow
Not a fan of dairy? That’s okay. Renee Alwan Percell, MMS, PA-C shares practical alternatives in Beyond Dairy: Top 10 Non-Dairy Calcium Sources for Bone Health
The Power of Resistance
Strength training isn’t just for athletes—it’s for your bones, too. Leslie Rusch-Bayer, MS, RD, LDN, CPT explains why movement matters in
CouriGirl Fact: Resistance & Weight-Bearing Exercise
Muscle Mass = Bone Protection
Maintaining lean muscle helps stabilize joints and support your skeletal frame. Heather Dentino, APN, WHNP-BC explores this in
Muscle Mass and Aging—The Bad News and the Great News
Strong Bones Start Early
Laying the foundation for bone health begins in childhood and adolescence. Dr. Michele Couri, MD, FACOG, ABIHM outlines lifelong bone-building strategies in
Dr. Couri’s Top 10 Bone Facts Every Adolescent Should Know
What to Expect at the Couri Center
DEXA scans are performed right here in our Peoria office. There’s no need for a hospital referral, check with your Couri Center provider to learn more. For questions on insurance coverage, please contact your insurance policy. Your scan will be reviewed by our providers and incorporated into your personalized care plan—whether your focus is prevention, perimenopause, or long-term bone support.
Schedule your DEXA scan today
Or call 309-692-6838
References
International Osteoporosis Foundation – About Osteoporosis
International Osteoporosis Foundation – Diagnosis
International Osteoporosis Foundation – Risk Factors