DEXA Scan in Portland & Lake Oswego: Hip & Spine Bone Density, Body Composition & Visceral Fat

At HormoneSynergy® Longevity Medicine, we use Hologic® DEXA imaging to evaluate bone health and body composition. These measurements can help identify low bone density, follow changes in fat and lean mass, and assess visceral fat that cannot be evaluated from body weight or appearance alone.

Testing is available to established patients and people who are new to the clinic. You can purchase the assessment that fits your needs without joining our concierge practice.

DEXA Pricing: Two Clearly Defined Options

BMC versus BMD: Both options report whole-body Bone Mineral Content (BMC), the amount of mineral measured in bones during body composition analysis. BMC is not a substitute for the dedicated hip and lumbar-spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements and site-specific T-scores used in clinical osteoporosis assessment. Those examinations are included only in the $250 complete DEXA assessment.

Book Complete DEXA — $250 Book Body Composition — $135

The complete assessment has an optional 15-minute physician review with Dr. Kathryn Retzler for an additional $100. Physician consultation and clinical interpretation are not included in either base stand-alone price.

DEXA is a self-pay service. HormoneSynergy® does not bill insurance. HSA or FSA funds may be eligible depending on your plan and circumstances; check with your plan administrator.

What Does Hip and Spine Bone Density Testing Measure?

Dedicated bone density examinations measure bone mineral density at the hip and lumbar spine, established sites for evaluating osteoporosis. These examinations are included in our $250 complete assessment. Positioning or the regions that can be assessed may need to be adjusted for implants, previous surgery, or other individual circumstances.

The report provides bone mineral density measurements and T-scores or Z-scores when appropriate. These scores compare the results with a reference population and help a clinician evaluate whether bone density is within the expected range or requires further attention.

Bone density contributes to fracture risk, but it does not describe that risk completely. Previous fractures, falls, medications, age, family history, and other medical conditions also matter. Results should be considered with your treating clinician when making decisions about evaluation, exercise, nutrition, or treatment.

What Does Whole-Body Composition Testing Measure?

The whole-body Hologic® scan measures fat, lean soft tissue, and whole-body Bone Mineral Content (BMC) across the body. Its regional analysis helps show how fat and lean mass are distributed in the arms, legs, and trunk, including differences between the left and right sides.

• Total body-fat percentage and fat mass
• Whole-body Bone Mineral Content (BMC)
• Total and regional lean mass
• Appendicular lean mass in the arms and legs
• Android and gynoid fat distribution
• Regional differences in body composition
• Estimated visceral adipose tissue

Lean mass is useful for monitoring body composition, but it is not a direct measurement of muscle tissue alone or muscle strength. Functional testing, strength, activity, and clinical history help explain what the measurements mean for an individual.

What Does Visceral Fat Analysis Show?

Visceral fat lies within the abdominal cavity around internal organs. Higher amounts are associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular risk. A person can have a relatively normal weight while carrying more visceral fat than expected.

DEXA provides an imaging-based estimate of visceral fat that can help establish a baseline and follow change. It is a risk marker rather than a diagnosis, and it is most useful alongside laboratory results, blood pressure, medical history, and other findings.

Why We Include SECA Analysis

SECA medical body composition analysis uses bioelectrical impedance to estimate muscle, fat, body water, and related measurements. It complements DEXA and can be practical for follow-up monitoring during nutrition, resistance-training, or weight-management care.

The methods are different, so a SECA value should not be treated as interchangeable with a DEXA value. Comparing repeat measurements from the same method, under similar conditions, makes the results more useful. Hydration and recent food intake or exercise can affect body composition measurements, particularly those obtained by impedance.

How to Prepare for Your DEXA Appointment

Our staff will provide preparation instructions when scheduling. Please follow those instructions and tell us about circumstances that could affect the examination.

• Avoid calcium supplements for 24 hours before bone density testing unless your healthcare provider gives different instructions.
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal, including metal zippers, snaps, underwire, or large buckles.
• Tell our staff if you are pregnant or may be pregnant before scheduling.
• Report recent contrast or nuclear medicine examinations, including barium studies, so the team can determine whether testing should be delayed.
• Tell us about joint replacements, spinal surgery, or other implants that may affect positioning or interpretation.
• Bring previous DEXA reports when available, particularly if monitoring bone density over time.
• Keep preparation reasonably consistent for repeat body composition testing, following the clinic’s instructions about meals, hydration, and exercise.

Fasting is generally not required for standard bone density testing. Follow the instructions provided for your combined DEXA and SECA appointment.

What Happens During Testing?

You will lie on an open, padded examination table while the scanner arm passes above you. DEXA does not enclose the body and uses a low dose of X-rays. Dedicated hip and spine testing requires specific positioning; the whole-body composition scan is a separate acquisition performed during the same appointment when you purchase the complete assessment.

The imaging itself takes minutes. Allow additional time for preparation, positioning, SECA testing, and the medical assistant overview of your report.

Reports and Clinical Interpretation

Both options include your Hologic® report, a HormoneSynergy® educational handout, and a medical assistant overview of the key measurements. The complete assessment includes the additional hip and spine bone density findings. Your reports can be shared with your physician or another healthcare professional involved in your care.

The staff overview helps you understand the layout and measurements in the report. It does not include diagnosis, individualized treatment recommendations, or a physician consultation.

Patients purchasing the $250 complete assessment may add a 15-minute physician review with Dr. Kathryn Retzler for $100. Established concierge patients may have their findings considered within their broader care plan when clinically appropriate.

Who May Benefit From DEXA Testing?

Dedicated bone density testing may be appropriate for people with fracture risk factors, including menopause, previous low-trauma fractures, certain medications, or medical conditions that affect bone. The need for testing should reflect an individual’s risk and clinical circumstances.

Body composition testing can be useful for adults monitoring fat loss, lean mass, visceral fat, or changes during strength training. It can also help inform care during medically supervised weight management, when maintaining adequate nutrition and preserving muscle function deserve attention.

DEXA During Weight Loss and GLP-1 Treatment

A change in body weight can reflect changes in fat, lean tissue, and water. DEXA and SECA help clarify these patterns, while food intake, strength, and physical function provide additional context. This can help a treating clinician identify when a nutrition or exercise plan needs adjustment.

At HormoneSynergy®, GLP-1 treatment and medical weight management are offered within comprehensive concierge care after the Optimal Aging Assessment. Stand-alone DEXA testing remains available to people receiving care elsewhere.

DEXA Within Longevity Medicine

Bone health, muscle function, and metabolic health influence the ability to stay active and independent. DEXA contributes useful measurements to that assessment, but it does not replace medical evaluation or a plan for acting on the findings.

For a broader physician-guided evaluation that includes laboratory testing, vascular assessment, cognitive testing, DEXA, and body composition, explore the HormoneSynergy® Optimal Aging Assessment.

Portland and Lake Oswego DEXA FAQs

How much does a DEXA scan cost at HormoneSynergy®?

Whole-body composition and visceral fat testing, including whole-body BMC, is $135. The complete assessment is $250 and adds dedicated hip and lumbar-spine BMD testing. Both include SECA analysis, a Hologic® report, a medical assistant overview, and an educational handout.

Does every DEXA scan include hip and spine bone density testing?

No. Both options include whole-body Bone Mineral Content (BMC), which does not replace dedicated hip and lumbar-spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing. At HormoneSynergy®, those dedicated examinations are included in the $250 complete assessment, not the $135 body composition option.

Does the complete assessment include visceral fat?

Yes. The $250 complete assessment includes whole-body composition, BMC, visceral fat assessment, and dedicated hip and lumbar-spine bone density testing, along with SECA analysis and the included report overview.

Is physician interpretation included?

No. The base stand-alone price includes a medical assistant overview and educational handout. A 15-minute physician review with Dr. Kathryn Retzler is available for an additional $100 with the $250 complete assessment.

Can I book without being a concierge patient?

Yes. Both options are available as stand-alone self-pay services without concierge membership.

Where is testing performed?

Testing is performed at HormoneSynergy® Clinic, 9 Monroe Parkway, Suite 260, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. We serve Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Tigard, Oregon City, and surrounding communities.

Do I need to fast?

Fasting is generally not required for standard bone density testing. Follow the clinic’s scheduling instructions for whole-body composition and SECA testing, particularly when comparing repeat measurements.

Does HormoneSynergy® bill insurance?

No. Testing is self-pay, and HormoneSynergy® does not submit insurance claims. HSA or FSA eligibility depends on your plan and circumstances.

How often should testing be repeated?

The interval depends on the reason for testing, baseline findings, treatment, and the amount of change expected. Body composition monitoring and bone density follow-up may require different schedules. Your treating clinician can help determine an appropriate interval.