Free tool · 1 minute · Nothing is stored

Bone health risk check for women

After menopause, falling oestrogen speeds up bone loss, often without any symptoms until a fracture. This quick check estimates whether you should talk to a doctor about a bone density (DEXA) scan.

Uses the Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA), developed and tested in Asian women, plus the risk factors doctors look for.

About you

Your ageyears Your weightkg

Do any of these apply to you?

My periods stopped before 45, or my ovaries were removed I've broken a bone after a minor fall or bump, as an adult One of my parents broke a hip I've taken steroid tablets (e.g. prednisolone) for 3 months or more I have rheumatoid arthritis I currently smoke I usually have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day I've noticed I've lost height or my back has become more curved I have an overactive thyroid, type 1 diabetes or coeliac disease

This is a screening guide, not a diagnosis. Only a bone density (DEXA) scan can measure your bones.

🦴

Enter your age and weight to see your result.

Why bone health matters after menopause

Oestrogen helps protect bone. After menopause, bone loss speeds up, and osteoporosis often causes no symptoms until a bone breaks, typically the wrist, spine or hip. Finding low bone density early means you can act before a fracture.

How this check works

The check uses the Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA), developed by Koh and colleagues in postmenopausal women across eight Asian countries. It uses only your age and weight: OSTA = (weight in kg − age in years) × 0.2, rounded towards zero.

Above −1: lower risk
−1 to −4: moderate risk
Below −4: higher risk

Because age and weight are not the whole story, the check also asks about the other risk factors doctors weigh, such as early menopause, a previous fracture, a parent's hip fracture, long-term steroid tablets and smoking. If you tick any of them, we suggest asking a doctor about a scan even if your OSTA score is low.

Questions women ask

What is a DEXA scan?

A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan measures bone density at the hip and spine. It takes about 15 minutes, is painless and uses a very low dose of radiation. The result, a T-score, shows whether bone density is normal, low (osteopenia) or in the osteoporosis range.

Can HRT protect my bones?

Yes. Hormone therapy reduces bone loss and fracture risk while you take it. Whether it suits you depends on your age, symptoms and health history. Read our guide to HRT in India.

I'm under 45 and my periods have stopped. Should I worry?

Early menopause raises the risk of bone loss, so it is worth seeing a doctor. Read about early menopause signs or book a consultation.

Reference

Koh LKH, Sedrine WB, Torralba TP, et al. A simple tool to identify Asian women at increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis International. 2001;12(8):699–705.