Osteoporosis has no symptoms until a bone breaks. Simple tools using age and weight identify most women with low bone density and help target DXA scans. Men can use the OST too.
How to use the Osteoporosis Risk Calculator
- Age
- Weight
- Currently taking oestrogen (HRT)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter age, weight and oestrogen use.
Tips
- Assess on a typical day, not during an acute illness, unless the tool asks otherwise.
- Involve family or carers who know the person’s usual abilities.
- Repeat assessments regularly to track change.
- Use results to plan support, not to label people.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Scoring what the person could do rather than what they actually do.
- Ignoring hearing or vision problems during cognitive tests.
- Using a single score to decide care without a full assessment.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Age | In years |
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, st, g |
| Currently taking oestrogen (HRT) | Choose one: No, Yes |
Example values
How the main result changes when Age changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Age (years) | ORAI score (points) |
|---|---|
| 51 | 11 |
| 68 | 20 |
| 85 | 26 |
| 102 | 26 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
ORAI: age ≥ 75 15, 65–74 9, 55–64 5; weight < 60 kg 9, 60–69 kg 3; not taking oestrogen 2 → score ≥ 9: DXA recommended
OST = 0.2 × (weight kg − age); < −4 high, −4 to −1 moderate, > −1 low risk
Worked example
Inputs — Age: 68 years; Weight: 58 kg; Currently taking oestrogen (HRT): No.
Results — ORAI score = 20 points; ORAI recommendation = Bone density (DXA) test recommended; OST score = -2; OST risk = Moderate risk.
Key terms
- DXA
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Frequently asked questions
Who should have a bone density scan?
All women 65 and over, and younger women and men with risk factors.
What else raises osteoporosis risk?
Previous fracture, steroids, smoking, alcohol, rheumatoid arthritis and family history.
What is FRAX?
A tool estimating 10-year fracture risk, often used after DXA.