Talking to Your Doctor About Osteoporosis
ConditionInDepth
You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with x. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
Tips for Getting Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
- Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
- Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
- Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Your Risk of Developing Osteoporosis
- Based on my health history, lifestyle, and family background, am I at risk?
- How do I know if someone in my family had or has osteoporosis? What should I be looking for?
- Am I taking any medicine that puts me at higher risk for getting osteoporosis?
- How can I stop from getting osteoporosis?
- How do I know if my bone density is low? Do I need a test?
- How do I know if I have broken bone in my spine?
About Treatment Options
- How do I best treat osteoporosis?
- What medicines can help me?
- What are the benefits and side effects of these medicines?
- Will these medicines interact with other medicines, or dietary or herbal supplements I take?
- Do any of the medicines I am taking for other conditions raise my risk of falling?
- Do any of the medicines I’m taking speed up bone loss?
- Are there any alternative therapies that will help me?
About Lifestyle Changes
- How much calcium is right for me?
- How do I get calcium?
- Should I be taking calcium supplements?
- Do I need to worry about my vitamin D intake?
- Are there other dietary changes I should make? How do I go about it?
- Should I exercise?
- What kind is best?
- How often should I do it?
- How do I get started with a program?
- If I've already broken a bone, should I still exercise? What precautions should I take?
- Should I stop drinking alcohol?
- How can I find help to quit smoking?
- What can I do to decrease my risk of falling?
- Should I rearrange things in my home?
About Your Outlook
- How do I know that my prevention or care program is working?
- Will you regularly watch my bone density?
- Will I lose height?
References
- Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.
- Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/osteoporosis-in-postmenopausal-women.
- Questions to ask your healthcare provider about bone health and osteoporosis. National Osteoporosis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Talking-with-your-Healthcare-Provider-checklist.pdf.
Contributors
- April Scott, NP
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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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