How to Use the Osteoporosis Risk Self-Assessment
Answer 6 questions about age, sex, calcium intake, exercise, smoking, and family history to calculate your osteoporosis risk score. Risk-level-specific prevention and management tips are provided.
Key Osteoporosis Risk Factors
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Older age / Female | Post-menopausal bone density loss |
| Low calcium | Insufficient bone-building material |
| Sedentary lifestyle | Bone density requires mechanical loading |
| Smoking | Impairs calcium absorption and bone density |
| Family history | Genetic predisposition to low bone mass |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are women more prone to osteoporosis?
Post-menopausal estrogen drop accelerates bone density loss by 2-3% per year for the first 5-10 years. Women also typically have lower peak bone mass than men.
Is calcium alone enough?
No. Adequate vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise are equally important. Calcium alone cannot maintain bone density without these cofactors.
When should I get a DEXA scan?
USPSTF recommends screening for women 65+ and younger postmenopausal women with risk factors. Men are typically screened at 70 or earlier if high risk.