Interactive Tool: Are You at Risk for Osteoporosis?

What's next?

If you are concerned about your results, talk to your doctor. A diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on your medical history, a physical exam, and a test to measure your bone thickness (density). The most accurate test is called a DEXA scan.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women age 65 and older have a bone density test. If you are at increased risk for broken bones caused by osteoporosis, you should start routine screening at age 60.³

For help deciding if and when testing is right for you, see the topic:

Should I have a DEXA scan?

Getting regular exercise and eating a diet that has enough calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can reduce your chances of severe bone thinning. For more information, see the topic Osteoporosis.

Source: Cadarette SM, et al. (2000). Development and validation of the osteoporosis risk assessment instrument to facilitate selection of women for bone densitometry. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 162(9): 1289–1294.

Source: Cadarette SM, et al. (2004). The validity of decision rules for selecting women with primary osteoporosis for bone mineral density testing. Osteoporosis International, 15: 361–366.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: September 1, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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