Fracture risk test

Are you at risk for osteoporosis and fractures?

Certain medical conditions can predispose you to rapid bone loss, osteoporosis, and fractures. Other minor risk factors may also lead to loss of bone. The more risk factors you have, the greater is your likelihood of developing osteoporosis and suffering from a fracture.

Take this test to find out if you should talk to your doctor about osteoporosis and fractures.

Answer the following questions:

If you are age 50 and over…

1. Are you age 65 and over?
2. Have you broken a bone because of a minor bump or fall after age 40?
3. Have you used glucocorticoid pills (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) for 3 or more months?
4. Has either one of your parents suffered from a hip fracture?
5. Have you used aromatase inhibitors or been on androgen deprivation therapy?
6. Has a recent x-ray suggested you have a vertebral fracture or low bone density (osteopenia)?
7. Have you fallen more than twice in the past year?

If you are younger than age 50…

1. Have you broken a bone because of a minor bump or fall?
2. Have you used glucocorticoid pills (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) for 3 or more months?
3. Have you used aromatase inhibitors or been on androgen deprivation therapy?
4. Do you suffer from hypogonadism?
5. If you are a woman, did you undergo menopause before age 45?
6. Do you have a medical condition (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease) that prevents absorption of nutrients?
7. Do you have primary hyperparathyroidism?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, talk to your doctor about osteoporosis and getting a bone mineral density (BMD) test.