How to Determine Your Risk for Postmenopausal Fractures — And Where to Go from There

If you are approaching menopause (the time when your periods stop) or are already there, you've probably heard about osteoporosis and might have discussed it with your clinician (doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife, or physician assistant). But how do you determine your personal risk for breaking a bone in the future — and, if your fracture risk is high, what can you do about it?

Defining Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and likely to break (even without a serious fall). Throughout your life, your bones are constantly building up and breaking down. During childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, more bone is built up than is broken down. At about age 30, your bones are the strongest they'll ever be. A…