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Starting a Conversation With Your Health Care Provider About Osteoporosis

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Osteoporosis

By Jennifer Footit-Tank RN, quality care coordinator at Network Health
10/31/2024

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens our bones with age. As we get older, the body loses or does not make enough new bone, which causes the bones to become brittle and break easily.

Bone loss can occur for many years and there often are no symptoms of osteoporosis. It is called “the silent disease” and affects one in four women age 65 and older per the Office on Women’s Health.

It is natural to be nervous bringing up a subject you are concerned about but maybe do not know which questions to ask. Here are some ways to get organized before an appointment with your personal doctor.

[Read more: 10 Osteoporosis Myths and Facts You Need to Know]

Prepare Before the Appointment

Write down a list of your concerns and questions. Having a list will help you to not forget what is important to you.

Review Your Family History

Make note of any people in your family who suffered a bone fracture after a fall, had “weak bones” or suffered from a Dowager’s Hump (curve of the spine at the top of the back). Chances are if family members had osteoporosis, you could be at risk too.

Bring a list of all your prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can cause bone loss.

Think of your diet. How much calcium and vitamin D rich foods are you eating every day?

Questions to Get the Conversation Started

  1. My friend fell at home and broke her arm. Her doctor told her she had osteoporosis, and she didn’t even know. Could I be at risk?
  2. My mom fell and broke her hip. She knew she had osteoporosis. Should I be tested too?
  3. I am over 65 and have been taking hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Do I need to worry about osteoporosis?
  4. I am lactose intolerant and never eat dairy foods. Am I at risk for bone loss?

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Next Steps

Your health care provider will discuss topics with you such as diet, exercise, family history, medications and if you have gone through menopause. These discussions can provide a better idea of your risk level.

Depending on where the conversation leads, these are some questions you may want to ask your personal doctor during the appointment.

Do I need further testing?
Your doctor may order a bone density test called central dual energy x-ray absorptiometry or DXA as it is more commonly known. This scan detects small amounts of bone loss and determines how strong your bones are. Your provider will be able to tell you if you have normal bone strength, low bone strength (osteopenia or beginning stage of bone loss) or osteoporosis. The test is safe, painless and requires no preparation. It is an easy way to assess your bone strength.

How much calcium and vitamin D do I need?
You may need to think about adding more calcium and vitamin D rich foods into your diet or start a supplement. Women over age 50 need at least 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 - 1000 IU vitamin D These are important to have daily to help your bones stay strong.

Do I need to change my medications?
Your provider will help you determine which medications can cause bone loss or put you at greater risk for falls.

What are my treatment options for osteoporosis?
There are a variety of medications that can help increase bone strength, hormone therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis, adding calcium rich foods into your diet, and exercise recommendations.|

How can I prevent falls?
Preventing falls is key to preventing bone fractures. Please click this link for further resources.

The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation has a free checklist to help you with your questions during your appointment.

Getting the conversation started with your personal doctor can alleviate your worries and put you on a path to staying healthy and active.

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