How To Find Imaging & Lab Menopause Services in Arizona

Bone Density Scan (DEXA)

During and after menopause, declining estrogen levels can accelerate bone loss. This makes women more likely to develop osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile and break more easily. A DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan can reveal early bone changes before symptoms appear, giving you time to take action with lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications. Women with early menopause, family history of fractures, or other risk factors may need this test earlier than the standard guideline of age 65.

A bone density scan, also called a DEXA scan, is a painless imaging test that measures how strong your bones are. The scan uses a very low dose of X-rays to check the mineral density in specific areas of your bones, most often the hips and spine. This helps your provider understand how your bone density compares to the average peak bone density seen in healthy women between the ages of 20 and 30, when bone strength is at its highest. The scan takes less than 30 minutes to complete and gives valuable information about your bone health and fracture risk.

Do you need an office visit or referral?

Accessing a bone density scan often requires a referral, but many providers can order one for you. The test is usually covered by insurance if you meet age or risk-based guidelines, but some imaging centers also offer affordable self-pay options. For menopause care, this scan is one of the most valuable tools to protect long-term bone health and independence.

How a DEXA scan is performed

You’ll lie flat on a padded table while a low-dose X-ray arm slowly moves over your body. The scan focuses on key areas like the hips and spine to measure bone mineral density. It’s completely painless and doesn’t require any special preparation. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual beforehand.

Arizona DEXA locations

Here are some known Arizona sites offering DEXA or bone density scans:

Mammograms

A mammogram is a specialized X-ray that creates detailed images of the breast. It’s the most widely used screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, sometimes even before a lump can be felt. The test involves placing the breast between two plates for a few seconds while the machine takes images. While some women find the pressure uncomfortable, the scan itself is very quick.

Menopause itself doesn’t cause breast cancer, but age and lifetime exposure to estrogen can increase your risk. Estrogen isn’t harmful to your DNA the way substances like tobacco or alcohol are, it doesn’t directly damage your cells. Instead, it encourages normal cell growth and division, which slightly increases the chance for a DNA “mistake” to occur over time. As we age, our bodies become less able to repair these small errors, which can lead to abnormal cells growing unchecked.

Mammogram Types

There are two types of mammograms, a diagnostic mammogram and a screening mammogram.

A screening mammogram is a routine test for women without breast symptoms. It’s meant to catch early changes before they can be felt and is usually covered by insurance as preventive care.

A diagnostic mammogram is used when there’s a concern (like a lump, pain, or nipple change) or when something unusual appears on a screening test. It requires a provider’s exam and order, and insurance bills it differently, under diagnostic imaging rather than preventive screening.                                                                        

Do you need an office visit or referral for a mammogram?

Screening mammograms usually don’t require an office visit, your provider or telehealth clinician can order one directly. Diagnostic mammograms do require a physical exam and formal provider order. Screening mammograms are typically covered by insurance as preventive care, while diagnostic tests are billed under imaging coverage (in-network or out-of-network).

How a mammogram is done

During a mammogram, each breast is gently compressed between two plates to take X-ray images from several angles. The procedure takes only a few minutes and provides high-resolution images that help detect even small calcifications or tissue changes. If needed, a diagnostic mammogram may include extra images or a targeted ultrasound for a closer look.

Arizona breast imaging sites

• Arizona Diagnostic Radiology — They offer mammography, 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI in their imaging centers. https://www.arizonadiagnosticradiology.com/
• Northern Arizona Healthcare — Their imaging includes mammography, breast ultrasound, and advanced breast imaging in the NAH system. https://www.nahealth.com/breast-health/breast-imaging/
• Arizona Breastnet (Scottsdale area) — Specialized in breast imaging, offering 3D mammograms and breast ultrasound. azbreastnet.net
• Dignity Health – Arizona — Their imaging services include outpatient diagnostic imaging, which would include mammography in many cases. Dignity Health
  

• MOM - Simon Med Imaging - This mobile on-site imaging is available in cities all over Arizona. https://www.simonmed.com/locations/
• Other hospitals and women's health centers across Arizona (e.g. Mayo Clinic Arizona) offer mammograms as part of women’s imaging services.

Pelvic / Gynecologic Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic area. It’s a safe, radiation-free test often used in midlife to evaluate symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, or unexpected bleeding. During menopause, it can help rule out conditions like ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or thickening of the uterine lining. For women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it’s especially useful for checking the uterine lining if bleeding occurs after menopause.

Do you need an office visit or referral for a pelvic ultrasound?

Most pelvic ultrasounds require an order from a healthcare provider, which can often be placed during a telehealth visit. Some imaging centers accept self-referrals for certain ultrasound types, but it’s best to confirm with your insurance, as coverage usually depends on having a provider’s order.

How a pelvic ultrasound works:

The test can be done in two ways, externally through the abdomen or internally as a transvaginal ultrasound. Both methods use a handheld device that sends sound waves to produce images. The procedure is generally painless, though a transvaginal exam may cause mild pressure or discomfort. You may be asked to arrive with a full bladder for clearer imaging.

Blood Work (Supportive Role)

Blood tests provide a snapshot of your overall health and can help guide treatment decisions. For menopause care, tests may include cholesterol, thyroid function, blood sugar, vitamin D, and sometimes hormone levels. While hormone testing is not always necessary (since levels fluctuate during perimenopause), checking cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid function can uncover issues that mimic or worsen menopausal symptoms.

Do you need an office visit or referral for blood work?

Most labs require a provider’s order, though some allow walk-in or direct-access testing for a flat fee. A telehealth provider can easily send lab orders to your preferred facility, and results are typically shared electronically.

How blood work is taken:

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. Fasting may be needed for certain tests, like cholesterol or blood sugar panels. Results usually return within a few days.

Where the study is performed:

Blood work can be done at nearly any local lab or hospital, including:

Quick Reference: Imaging Locations in Arizona for Menopause-Related Care

Insurance, Self-Pay, and Access Notes for Arizona

• Under many insurance plans in Arizona, DEXA scans are covered when you meet guideline criteria (e.g. age or risk factors).
  
  
• For women who don’t qualify under insurance rules, many imaging centers in the Phoenix area run cash-pay options (~$100–$140 range for DEXA)
  
  
• Wellness and composition centers often bundle DEXA with body composition analysis (fat / muscle measurements) for those paying out-of-pocket (e.g. DexaFit)
  
  
• Most imaging centers require a referral or an order from a provider, but you can ask your OB/GYN, primary care, or menopause clinician to order the test for you.
  
  
• Telehealth menopause providers (like Inflexxion Health) can review imaging and lab results remotely, helping you avoid travel or extra in-person visits.