0-3 points: LOW RISK

According to your answers, you are at a low risk of fracturing a bone within the next five years. Only one to two women out of 100 in your situation suffer a hip fracture. That's good news.

Osteoporosis occurs when there is a loss of bone tissue; this can lead to a fracture.

Osteoporosis affects many women – and some men – as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine, or wrist.

So while your risk of breaking a bone may be low at the moment, it will get higher as you age. It's wise to take precautions.

How can I stay healthy?

Some risk factors for osteoporosis are things you can't change. For instance, you are at greater risk if you are a postmenopausal woman, have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures, or are older than 65.

There are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fractures. Changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The NHS says people should eat or drink 700mg of calcium a day. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, broccoli and calcium-fortified cereals. A GP may also recommend a calcium supplement. People over 65 are also advised to take a vitamin D supplement.
• Take regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Stop smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol only in moderation – no more than 2-3 units a day for women. One alcohol drink unit is counted as a 25ml measure of spirits, a half of a pint of normal strength beer or half a 175ml glass of wine.

You also need regular checkups. Your doctor can test for osteoporosis by using a special X-ray to measure the density of your bones.

Currently, it seems like your risk of having problems is low. Taking care of yourself – with a good diet, frequent exercise and regular checkups – can help keep it that way.

4-7 points: MEDIUM RISK

According to your answers, you are at moderate risk of fracturing a bone in the next five years. About four to five women out of 100 in your situation suffer a hip fracture. It's time to make an appointment to see your GP.

Osteoporosis affects many women – and some men – as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine or wrist.

Breaking a bone may not be just a temporary inconvenience. It can leave you permanently disabled. For instance, just one-third of people ever fully recover after breaking a hip.

Osteoporosis causes over half of all women – and a quarter of all men – to break a bone at some point after age 50. To stay healthy, you need to take precautions.

How can I stay healthy?

You can't change some risk factors for osteoporosis. For instance, you are at greater risk if you are a postmenopausal woman, have a family history of osteoporosis or fracture, or are older than 65.

But there are things you can do to improve your bone health. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The NHS says people should eat or drink 700mg of calcium a day. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals. A GP may also recommend a calcium supplement. People over 65 are also advised to take a vitamin D supplement.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Stop smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol only in moderation – no more than 2-3 units a day for women. One alcohol drink unit is counted as a 25ml measure of spirits, a half of a pint of normal strength beer or half a 175ml glass of wine.
• Get regular checkups along with special X-rays to check your bone density.

You may also need medicines that help maintain the density of the bones and lower the risk of fractures. Like any medicines, they have risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.

Currently, you may be at an increased risk of fractures. But taking care of yourself – with a good diet, frequent exercise, and regular checkups – can help keep you healthy.

8-11 points: HIGH RISK

According to your answers, you may be at high risk of fracturing a bone in the next five years, perhaps due to osteoporosis. If you haven't already seen a doctor about your risk of fracture, make an appointment soon.

Treatment and lifestyle changes can lower your risk. Osteoporosis strikes many women – and some men – as they age. It makes your bones brittle but often has no obvious symptoms. You may not know you have it until a fall or bump fractures a bone, often in your hip, spine or wrist.

You may notice changes in your posture, which happen as the bones in the spine collapse. Kyphosis (a stooped back known as "dowager's hump") frequently causes back pain.

Breaking a bone is not just a temporary inconvenience. It can leave you permanently disabled. For instance, just one-third of people ever fully recover after breaking a hip.

Osteoporosis causes over half of all women – and a quarter of all men – to break a bone at some point after age 50. Given your risk, you should take precautions.

What should I do?

You can't change some risk factors for osteoporosis. For instance, if you are a postmenopausal woman, have a family history of osteoporosis or fractures, or are older than 65, your risk is greater.

There are things you can do to improve your bone health. You should:

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. The NHS says people should eat or drink 700mg of calcium a day. Good sources of calcium include low-fat milk, yoghurt, cheese, broccoli, and calcium-fortified cereals. A GP may also recommend a calcium supplement. People over 65 are also advised to take a vitamin D supplement.
• Engage in weight-bearing exercise, like walking and climbing stairs. Weight lifting can also help build strong bones.
• Stop smoking (if you smoke now).
• Drink alcohol only in moderation – no more than 2-3 units a day for women. One alcohol drink unit is counted as a 25ml measure of spirits, a half of a pint of normal strength beer or half a 175ml glass of wine..
• Get regular checkups, which may include special X-rays to check your bone density.
• Take precautions against falls, such as installing hand railings in your home and getting your vision tested.

You may also need medicine to lower the risk of fractures. Like any drug, it can have risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.

Currently you may have a high risk of a fracture. But getting treatment – along with a good diet and frequent exercise – can make a big difference.