Do not wait for bones to fracture before you discover you have osteoporosis. You can take precautionary action by carrying out the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. It measures the bone mineral content at various parts of the skeletal structure, at the hip, spine or forearm to see how porous the bones are.

Currently the best method of measuring BMD is using a low radiation Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) bone densitometer. It is a painless and non-invasive way of testing.

Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA)

BMD may not be necessary if you do not have most of the risk factors of osteoporosis. You can use the simple self-assessment test, OSTA, to evaluate your risk of osteoporosis.

Low Risk You are advised to continue with a healthy lifestyle, suitable weight bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Moderate Risk You may want to consult your healthcare professional to assess if you need to carry out a BMD test.

High Risk You should go for a BMD test and may need to seek treatment and complement it with calcium and Vitamin D supplements, along with adapting a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly.

Am I at Risk of Osteoporosis?

Although anyone can get osteoporosis, you are more likely to get it if you:

  • are female
  • are experiencing menopause or have had your ovaries removed ( for females)
  • have undergone castration (for males )
  • are over 45 years of age
  • have a family history of osteoporosis
  • are petite or small framed
  • are Asian or Caucasian
  • are deficient in calcium or vitamin D
  • do not exercise regularly
  • smoke and or drink excessively
  • suffer from medical conditions (thyroid, cancer, kidney or liver failure)
  • are on certain medications (corticosteroids, or thyroid mediation)

Review and change your lifestyle where possible to prevent osteoporosis from affecting your daily life.