Know Your Fracture Risk
Find out if you are at high risk for fracture now so you can plan how to help strengthen your bones. Don't let a fracture be the first sign of postmenopausal osteoporosis. A spine, hip, or other fracture could be a life-changing event for you—and your family and friends who support you. About half of women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture, and once you have had one, your chances of another are much higher.
Bone density and fracture risk are closely related. The most common way to measure bone density is with a DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan. If you are taking a postmenopausal osteoporosis medication, the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends bone density testing be repeated every 2 years (or more frequently, as recommended by your doctor). In addition to bone density, there are other factors that can help predict your risk for breaking a bone.
Do these risk factors apply to you?
There's a lot of information that can help your doctor assess your fracture risk. In addition to bone density, factors may include:*
- Low body weight, being small and thin
- Previous broken bone as an adult
- Frequent falls
- Whether or not your parents had hip fractures
- Cigarette smoking
- Inactive lifestyle
- Low calcium intake
- Low vitamin D level
- Very low bone density score
- Drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day
- Certain medical conditions (talk to your doctor about your medical history)
* According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation
Make a Plan to Help Manage Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Ask your doctor about:
- Bone density testing
- Other risk factors for fracture
- Your fracture risk and if you are at high risk for fracture
If your doctor tells you that you are at high risk for fracture, then you can come up with a treatment plan together, which may include diet, calcium and vitamin D supplements, exercise, and medication such as Prolia®.
