According to the WHO criteria 22.8% of women and 5.9% of men over 50 have osteoporosis. These figures roughly double by 70 years of age. These is 1 fracture every 2.9 minutes in Australia as of 2022. About half of all women over 60 and a third of men, will be diagnosed with an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis is diagnosed via what’s called a DEXA scan. This measures your strength of your bones.
T- Score: This is where your levels are compared to the average levels of women at the age of 21. If you are -2.5 then you are deemed to have osteoporosis.
Z- Score: This is where your levels are compared to the average levels of women the same age as you. If your score is -2.5 than you most likely have a secondary cause of osteoporosis.
Other signs that may be hinting you have weaker bones:
- Easily fracture bones
- Cracking teeth
- Pain when you press on your shin bone