Osteoporosis Risk Calculator 2025

FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) is the World Health Organization's validated algorithm for calculating 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (hip, clinical spine, forearm, humerus) and hip fractures specifically. It incorporates age, gender, weight, height, and clinical risk factors, with optional bone mineral density (BMD) input. Accuracy: FRAX has been validated in large population cohorts worldwide with excellent discrimination (AUC 0.70-0.80). It's more accurate than BMD alone, especially for identifying high-risk individuals who benefit most from treatment.

According to WHO criteria:
• Normal: T-score ≥ -1.0 standard deviations (SD)
• Osteopenia (low bone mass): T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 SD
• Osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5 SD
• Severe osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5 SD with one or more fragility fractures

Important: The lowest T-score at either femoral neck, total hip, or lumbar spine determines diagnosis. Our calculator interprets your T-score and integrates it into FRAX calculations for enhanced risk prediction.

Official Guidelines:
• NOF (National Osteoporosis Foundation): DEXA screening for all women age 65+, and younger postmenopausal women with risk factors (previous fracture, low body weight, smoking, family history)
• USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force): Screening women 65+, and younger women (postmenopausal) whose fracture risk is equal to or greater than that of a 65-year-old white woman with no additional risk factors
• AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists): Women ≥65, postmenopausal women with risk factors, men ≥70, and adults with fragility fractures

Our calculator helps determine if you should consider earlier screening based on your FRAX score.

According to NOF (National Osteoporosis Foundation) guidelines, pharmacologic treatment is recommended for:

1. Hip or vertebral fracture (clinical or morphometric) regardless of BMD
2. T-score ≤ -2.5 at femoral neck or lumbar spine
3. T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 (osteopenia) with:
• FRAX 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk ≥20%
• FRAX 10-year hip fracture risk ≥3%

Additional considerations: Younger postmenopausal women with very low T-scores, men with T-scores ≤ -2.5, and individuals on chronic glucocorticoids may also warrant treatment. Our calculator determines if you meet these treatment thresholds.

Yes, men absolutely get osteoporosis! Approximately 20-25% of osteoporotic fractures occur in men, and men have higher mortality after hip fractures than women.

Screening recommendations for men:
• Age 70+ (routine screening)
• Age 50-69 with risk factors:
- Low trauma fracture
- Chronic glucocorticoid use (≥5 mg prednisone/day for ≥3 months)
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
- Diseases associated with bone loss (RA, IBD, COPD)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Current smoking

Our calculator works for both genders with appropriate risk adjustments and provides male-specific recommendations.

Evidence-based lifestyle modifications for bone health:

1. Nutrition:
• Calcium: 1200 mg/day for women >50 & men >70 (1000 mg for others)
• Vitamin D: 800-2000 IU/day to maintain serum level >30 ng/mL
• Protein: Adequate intake (0.8-1.2 g/kg/day) for muscle and bone health
• Fruits/vegetables: Alkaline diet may benefit bone

2. Exercise:
• Weight-bearing: 30+ minutes most days (walking, jogging, dancing)
• Resistance training: 2-3 times weekly
• Balance exercises: Tai chi, yoga to prevent falls

3. Habits:
• Avoid smoking (accelerates bone loss)
• Limit alcohol (≤1 drink/day for women, ≤2 for men)
• Maintain healthy weight (avoid being underweight)

4. Fall prevention: Home safety, proper lighting, non-slip surfaces

Our calculator provides personalized lifestyle recommendations based on your risk profile.

Superior Features of Our Calculator:

1. Official FRAX Algorithm: Uses WHO-validated FRAX with country-specific adjustments (most calculators use simplified versions)
2. Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Evaluates all FRAX risk factors plus additional clinical considerations
3. Treatment Threshold Determination: Applies NOF guidelines to determine if medication is indicated
4. BMD Integration: Properly interprets T-scores and integrates with FRAX
5. Age/Gender Specific: Accurate calculations for both genders across adult lifespan
6. Prevention Strategies: Personalized lifestyle and supplement recommendations
7. Educational Value: Detailed explanations of results and medical rationale
8. Mobile Optimization: Fully responsive design for all devices
9. Completely Free: No registration, no fees, no data selling
10. Medical Accuracy: Developed with rheumatologist input and guideline compliance

Competitor Comparison: More accurate than WebMD's simple tool, more comprehensive than Mayo Clinic's calculator, and free unlike some specialized medical software.

Medications associated with increased fracture risk and bone loss:

1. Glucocorticoids: Prednisone ≥5 mg/day for ≥3 months (dose and duration dependent)
2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Long-term use (≥1 year), especially high dose
3. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Association with increased fall and fracture risk
4. Aromatase Inhibitors: Used in breast cancer treatment (anastrozole, letrozole)
5. Androgen Deprivation Therapy: For prostate cancer (leuprolide, goserelin)
6. Anticonvulsants: Especially enzyme-inducing types (phenytoin, phenobarbital)
7. Thiazolidinediones: Diabetes medications (pioglitazone, rosiglitazone)
8. Excessive Thyroid Hormone: Suppressive therapy for thyroid cancer
9. Heparin/Long-term Warfarin: Especially with prolonged use
10. Some Chemotherapy Agents: Particularly glucocorticoid-containing regimens

Our calculator accounts for glucocorticoid use specifically and provides guidance on medication-related bone loss.