At what age does ACOG recommend DXA screening for all postmenopausal patients?

• A. 50
• B. 60
• C. 65 years and older
• D. 70

Answer: (C)

Screening for osteoporosis with DXA is done to catch bone loss before a fracture occurs. For all postmenopausal women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends starting universal DXA screening at age 65. This age threshold reflects the point at which fracture risk becomes high enough that routine screening is beneficial, regardless of other risk factors. If a woman younger than 65 has significant risk factors (such as a prior fragility fracture, low body weight, family history, prolonged steroid use, or other secondary causes), DXA may be recommended earlier. So the best answer is 65 years and older. The other ages listed aren’t the universal starting point for all postmenopausal patients.