Osteoporosis Risk Score
Calculate your osteoporosis risk using OST, SCORE (women), and MORES (men) screening tools. Free online risk assessment with charts, breakdowns, and risk classification.
About This Calculator
The Osteoporosis Risk Score Calculator assesses your risk of developing osteoporosis using three validated screening tools: the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) for both sexes, the Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE) for women, and the Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score (MORES) for men. It is designed for adults who want to understand their baseline fracture risk and determine whether further bone density testing through a DXA scan may be advisable.
The OST score is calculated as (weight in pounds minus age in years) divided by 5. It relies solely on two easily obtainable variables and has been validated across multiple populations worldwide. The SCORE for women incorporates six risk factors — ethnicity, fracture history, rheumatoid arthritis, prior estrogen use, age, and weight — each weighted according to published clinical studies. The MORES for men adds COPD status alongside age and weight categories. Results classify your risk as low, moderate, or high based on established clinical thresholds from peer-reviewed literature.
These screening tools are recommended by orthopedic and primary care guidelines as a first step before proceeding to bone mineral density testing. They do not replace a clinical diagnosis but serve as evidence-based indicators to guide conversations with your healthcare provider about osteoporosis prevention and management.
Regional Notes
India: Osteoporosis affects approximately 50 million Indians, with women being four times more affected than men. The Indian Society for Bone and Mineral Research recommends screening for postmenopausal women and men over 50 with risk factors. The OST score has been validated in Indian populations and correlates well with DXA results.
United States: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends osteoporosis screening for women aged 65 and older, and for younger women with increased risk. The FRAX tool is commonly used in clinical practice alongside OST. Medicare covers DXA scans for eligible beneficiaries.
United Kingdom: NICE guidelines recommend assessing fracture risk using FRAX or QFracture in postmenopausal women and men over 50 with risk factors. The NHS offers osteoporosis screening through fracture liaison services for patients presenting with fragility fractures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) score calculated?
The OST score is calculated as (weight in pounds minus age in years) divided by 5. For women, a score above 1 indicates low risk, -3 to 1 indicates moderate risk, and below -3 indicates high risk. For men, a score above 3 is low risk, -1 to 3 is moderate risk, and below -1 is high risk.
What is the SCORE for women and how is it calculated?
The Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE) for women considers six factors: ethnicity, fracture history, rheumatoid arthritis, prior estrogen use, age, and weight. Each factor is assigned a score, and the total determines risk: below 7 is low risk, 7 to 15 is moderate risk, and above 15 is high risk.
What is the MORES for men?
The Male Osteoporosis Risk Estimation Score (MORES) uses age category, weight category, and COPD status. Scores range from 0 to 13. A score below 6 indicates low risk, while 6 or higher indicates high risk warranting further bone density testing.
What are the main risk factors for osteoporosis?
Key risk factors include older age (especially postmenopausal women), female gender, low body weight, family history of fractures, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term corticosteroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, low calcium and vitamin D intake, and lack of physical activity.
Who should get screened for osteoporosis?
Women aged 65 and older, and men aged 70 and older, should undergo bone density testing. Younger individuals with risk factors such as prior fractures, long-term steroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, or a family history of osteoporosis should also discuss screening with their healthcare provider.
What does a high osteoporosis risk score mean?
A high risk score on any of these screening tools indicates an increased likelihood of having low bone mineral density (osteoporosis or osteopenia). This does not confirm the diagnosis but suggests that further evaluation with a DXA bone density scan is recommended.
Can osteoporosis be prevented or reversed?
Osteoporosis can be managed and progression slowed through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and medications prescribed by a doctor. Early detection through screening is key to effective management.