Talking With Your Doctor About Osteoporosis

Why be concerned about osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for more than 25 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. In the U.S. today,10 million individuals already have the disease and 18.5 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, "the silent thief," progresses without symptoms or pain until a fracture occurs, typically in the hip, spine, or wrist. Each year it leads to more than 1.5 million fractures that can cause permanent disability, loss of independence, or death.

You or a family member could have osteoporosis or be at risk for developing the disease, and not even know it. To find out if you should be concerned about this disease, consider discussing the issue during the next visit to your family doctor.

In order to make sure that you get the most out of your time with the doctor, here are some suggestions on how to prepare for a visit, including communication tips and sample questions. Our goal is to help you learn what you need to know about the prevention, early detection, and treatment of osteoporosis.

To find out about factors that may put you at risk for osteoporosis, answer the questionnaire "Are you at risk for osteoporosis?" below, and discuss it with your doctor. .

The Doctor-Patient Partnership

Good communication is the key to a successful doctor-patient relationship. Communication is important because it makes it easier for your doctor to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Additionally, by discussing your health concerns with your doctor, you will find you are more satisfied with your care. Remember, there are no stupid questions when it comes to your health!

Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor

Young Adults

• Should I worry about preventing osteoporosis?
• How can I strengthen my bones?
• What type of exercise is best?
• How much calcium do I need, and what are the best sources of calcium?
• How can smoking and drinking alcohol affect my bone health?
• Do any of the medications I take affect my bone health (for example, cortisone-like drugs and seizure medications)?

Midlife

• Should I worry about preventing osteoporosis?
• How can I strengthen my bones?
• What type of exercise is best?
• How much calcium do I need, and what are the best sources of calcium?
• How can smoking and drinking alcohol affect my bone health?
• Do any of the medications I take affect my bone health (for example, cortisone-like drugs and seizure medications)?
• How can I help my family members learn about osteoporosis?
• Should I have a bone mineral density test?
• How often should I have my bone mass measured?
• Do I need to think about medical treatment? If yes, what are the benefits and the risks of these treatments?
• When should I come in for a follow-up exam?

Older Adults

• Should I worry about preventing osteoporosis?
• How can I strengthen my bones?
• What type of exercise is best?
• How much calcium do I need, and what are the best sources of calcium?
• How can smoking and drinking alcohol affect my bone health?
• Do any of the medications I take affect my bone health (for example, cortisone-like drugs and seizure medications)?
• How can I help my family members learn about osteoporosis?
• Should I have a bone mineral density test?
• How often should I have my bone mass measured?
• Do I need to think about medical treatment? If yes, what are the benefits and the risks of these treatments?
• What safety measures should I take to protect myself from falling?
• When should I come in for a follow-up exam?

Making the Most of Your Visit to the Doctor

Preparing for Your Visit

• Be an informed patient the more you know, the better you'll be able to communicate. You can learn more about osteoporosis from several resources including:
  • Library/Bookstore
  • Local Hospital/Clinic
  • Local Health Seminars
  • And, contact the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
• Examine your family's medical history as well as your own. As part of the evaluation, your doctor will ask you questions about past and present medical conditions. Be sure to mention any relatives who have had fractures or stooped posture.
• Make a list of questions (see above) with the most important ones at the top.
• When scheduling an appointment with your doctor, request extra time to talk about osteoporosis. If that is not possible, ask to speak to the nurse, or another healthcare professional. This way, you will be sure someone will have time to spend with you.

Tip: Take a pad and pencil to make notes. You may also want to take a friend or family member with you to lend support and to help remind you of what the doctor said.

Email: Women's Care Place

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