Educational screening note
This page estimates a custom screening score from common bone-health risk signals. It does not replace clinical judgment, DXA interpretation, FRAX, imaging, or treatment advice.
If you have severe pain, height loss, known vertebral fracture, repeated falls, or a very low T-score, please seek professional review.
Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Profile | Age | Sex | BMI | T-score | Key factors | Example score | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | 48 | Male | 27.0 | -0.8 | No major flagged factors | 2 | Low |
| Example B | 54 | Female | 26.2 | -1.1 | Postmenopausal | 28 | Moderate |
| Example C | 67 | Female | 20.1 | -2.6 | Parent hip fracture, smoker, fall, low calcium | 81 | Very High |
Formula used
This calculator uses a custom weighted screening model. It is designed for structured education and risk discussion, not for diagnosis or medication decisions.
Risk Score = Age + Sex + BMI + T-score + Prior Fracture + Parent Hip Fracture + Smoking + Glucocorticoids + Rheumatoid Arthritis + Secondary Causes + Alcohol + Menopause + Low Calcium + Vitamin D Flag + Low Exercise + FallsRisk band thresholds
- 0–19: Low
- 20–39: Moderate
- 40–69: High
- 70–100: Very High
Key design note
The T-score receives the strongest weighting, while falls, prior fracture, glucocorticoid exposure, low BMI, and age can move the final score sharply upward.
How to use this calculator
- Enter age, sex, height, and weight.
- Add your lowest known T-score from bone density testing.
- Mark the relevant fracture, medication, and family history factors.
- Enter calcium intake, vitamin D status, exercise sessions, and falls.
- Press Calculate Risk Score to show the result above the form.
- Review the score, top weighted drivers, and chart.
- Use CSV or PDF export to save a discussion summary.
- Take the result to a clinician for formal review if concern is high.
Frequently asked questions
1) What does this calculator measure?
It estimates a custom osteoporosis screening score from bone density, age, body size, lifestyle, falls, and common clinical risk factors. It is educational, not a diagnosis or replacement for clinician assessment.
2) Is this the same as FRAX?
No. FRAX is an official fracture-risk method that uses country-specific data and, when available, femoral neck bone density. This page uses a simpler weighted score to help users organize risk signals before clinical review.
3) What T-score usually suggests osteoporosis?
A T-score of −2.5 or lower is commonly used as the osteoporosis threshold on bone density testing. Risk still depends on age, prior fractures, falls, medications, and the bone site measured.
4) What are ther risks of running with osteoporosis with a t-score of -3.75 on the vertibre?
A vertebral T-score of −3.75 suggests very low bone density, so running may raise impact and fall-related fracture risk, especially if pain, prior vertebral fracture, or poor balance exist. Get clinician clearance first. Safer starting options often include brisk walking, supervised strength work, balance training, and posture-focused exercise.
5) Can men use this calculator?
Yes. Men can develop osteoporosis, especially with aging, steroid exposure, low body weight, smoking, excess alcohol, hormone issues, or secondary medical causes. The score is a screening aid for adults of any sex.
6) Why do falls matter so much?
Many fractures occur because low bone strength combines with impact from a fall. That is why balance training, home safety, vision checks, medication review, and strength work matter alongside bone-density results.
7) Should I stop exercise if my score is high?
Usually no, but activity may need modification. High-risk users should favor balance, resistance, posture, and lower-impact weight-bearing exercise unless their clinician advises otherwise. Avoid painful movements and ask about a tailored plan.
8) What else should I discuss with my doctor?
Ask about confirmed DXA results, fracture history, medicines, vitamin D, calcium intake, fall prevention, secondary causes, and whether you need formal fracture-risk assessment, imaging, physical therapy, or treatment.