OBJECTIVE to assess the prevalence of subnormal bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal forearm among women living in Perm and the Perm Region, by taking into account the data of distal forearm X-ray densitometry and risk factors of osteoporosis (OP). METHODS This one-stage study included 1765 women aged 50-90 years (mean age 61.8 years, standard deviation 8.1). All the participants filled in the questionnaire of the National Program of Osteoporosis Risk Factors Study. Radial BMD (of the radius) was estimated by X-ray absorptiometry on a DTX 200 unit. RESULTS Osteopenia was detected 593 (33.6%) females aged 50 years or older and OP was found in 391 (22.2%). The women with the osteopenic syndrome had lower body weight. Those with OP showed much more frequently vertebral fractures and essential hypertension. Irrespective of the BMD, the proportion of regular dairy produce was very small. CONCLUSIONS In more than a half of the 50-year-old or more women residing in Perm and the Perm Region have lower distal forearm BMD and increased risk for fractures in minimal injury. The proportion of women with EH is statistically significant higher among the women with the osteopenic syndrome.