Who is at risk?

Why should I have an assessment?

In the UK, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men over the age of 50 will develop an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime! However, the NHS has so few scanners that only those deemed to be at high risk may have a scan. The onset of low bone mass can occur at a very early age, with girls as young as 17 developing osteoporosis. If you are over 40, have reached the menopause or have one or more of the following risk factors, you should have an assessment.

• No HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) at menopause. (More information.)
• Early menopause - surgical or non-surgical.
• Hysterectomy.
• Heavy Smoker.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Taking Cortico-steroids.
• Irregular or infrequent periods, now or in the past.
• Complete absence of periods (amenorrhoea).
• Late onset of menarche (age which periods began).
• Low calcium intake now or during life time.
• Minimal weight bearing or resistance exercise.
• Family history of Osteoporosis/hip fracture.
• Calcium malabsorbtion illness.
• Inflammatory disease (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis).
• Primary Hypogonadism.
• Had possible signs of osteoporosis.
• Had a fracture following minor injury.
• Height loss/upper back curvature.
• Back pain.
• History of anorexia with cessation of periods.
• use of long term oral steroids.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Low body mass index (bodyweight: height ratio).
• Kidney stones.
• Ultrasound scan indicating low bone mass.

I'm only 20 why should I have an assessment?

Many of the risk factors affect young women, particularly those with poor diets, eating disorders and excessive exercise habits. Development of low bone density at such an early age may lead to premature development of the disease.