Wondering If Your Bones Are Getting Weaker?

If you've noticed that you're not quite as steady on your feet as before, or that small knocks seem to hurt more than they used to, it could be a sign that your bones may be weakening . As we age, bone strength naturally decreases. For some, especially after menopause or with certain health conditions, that process speeds up.

A bone density test is a simple way to check if your bones are thinning before a fracture happens. It’s painless, quick, and gives helpful insight into your bone health. At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, this test is commonly offered to patients experiencing signs of bone loss or managing hormonal conditions.

Why Might You Need a Bone Density Test?

You may not feel bone loss happening, it usually doesn’t cause pain until something breaks. But if you have certain risk factors, checking your bone strength could help you act early.

You might benefit from a bone density scan if you:

• Are over 50

• Have gone through menopause

• Have broken a bone from a minor fall

• Have low calcium or vitamin D levels

• Have taken steroid medication for a long time

• Have a condition that affects your hormone levels

• Have a family history of osteoporosis
  

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, Dr Tay Tunn Lin regularly sees patients who are navigating these risks. Early testing can help detect issues before they lead to serious injury.

What the Test Actually Does

The test, called a DEXA scan, uses low-level X-rays to measure how dense your bones are. You’ll get two key scores:

• T-score compares your bone strength to a healthy young adult
  

• Z-score compares it to people your own age and sex
  

These numbers help determine whether your bone density is normal, slightly reduced (osteopaenia), or low enough to indicate osteoporosis. Dr Tay Tunn Lin will use these results to discuss your next steps.

What to Expect on the Day

There’s nothing complicated about the test. Here’s how it usually goes:

• You’ll lie on a padded table while a scanner arm moves over your body

• The scan focuses on the hip and lower spine, where fractures are most common

• You’ll be asked to keep still, but the scan itself is quiet and painless

• The whole thing takes about 15 to 30 minutes
  

You can eat and drink normally beforehand. Just avoid wearing clothes with zips or metal buttons. At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, the team ensures patients are comfortable and informed every step of the way.

After the Test

You can return to your day as normal, there’s no recovery time. Results are usually ready within a few days. If your scan shows low bone density, Dr Tay Tunn Lin may recommend:

• Adjusting your calcium or vitamin D intake

• Starting medication to support bone strength

• Making small changes to your diet or activity levels

• Scheduling follow-up scans to monitor progress
  

These steps can help reduce the risk of fractures and support long-term bone health.

Why It’s Worth Doing Early

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” condition because there are no clear warning signs until a fracture happens. But early action makes a difference.

A bone density scan provides an opportunity to prevent that first break. At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, the goal is always prevention and proactive care.

What’s Next?

If you’re concerned about your bone health or identify with any of the risk factors above, consider booking a consultation with Dr Tay Tunn Lin at Cedar Endocrine Clinic. With clinics at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Mount Alvernia Hospital, appointments are available for patients seeking early assessment. A bone density scan may help evaluate your bone strength and inform next steps in your care.