Bone Health for Women
Build and protect bone at every stage of life.
Why women are at risk
Oestrogen protects bone, so loss speeds up after menopause. Smaller frames also mean less bone to lose.
Protective habits
Weight-bearing exercise, calcium of 1,000 to 1,200 mg and enough vitamin D support bone. Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol.
Screening
Bone density scans are advised for women 65 and over, or earlier with risk factors. Tools like the OST index help identify who needs one.
Try it: Osteoporosis Self-Assessment (OST)
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
OST index7.0
RiskLow
The OST index helps decide who should get a bone density scan. It was validated in postmenopausal women and does not replace testing.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.