Osteoporosis

Women should be assessed for osteoporosis related risk factors and given advice on how to optimise bone health.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society have an online risk checker tool that can be completed by patients which takes about 3 minutes to complete.

RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS:

• Low oestrogen levels <40 years (premature ovarian insufficiency).
• Age >50 years.
• Family history of fracture (particularly first degree relative with a hip fracture).
• Previous fragility fracture.
• BMI <18.5kg/m2.
• Current or history of smoking.
• Alcohol intake >14 units per week.
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Medications e.g: corticosteroids, aromatase inhibitors, chemotherapeutic agents, PPIs, SSRIs, antiretroviral medications, heparin and some anti-epileptic medications.
• Medical conditions e.g: rheumatoid arthritis, neuromuscular disease, COPD, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, conditions associated with malabsorption, endocrine conditions and haematological conditions.

• For more Information on risk factors for osteoporosis, see NICE CKS summaries.